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Drug-resistant cluster headache responding to gabapentin: a pilot study
M Leandri1, M Luzzani, G Cruccu
1Dipartimento di Oncologia, Biologia e Genetica, Università di Genova and Centro Interuniversitario per la Neurofisiologia del Dolore, Genova, Italy. cind@unige.it
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|October 12, 2001
Summary
Gabapentin shows promise for cluster headache treatment. This pilot study found gabapentin significantly reduced daily attacks and bout duration in patients unresponsive to other therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cluster headache is a debilitating neurological disorder.
- Existing prophylactic treatments are often ineffective for some patients.
- Gabaergic drugs like valproate and topiramate have shown efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of gabapentin as a treatment for cluster headache.
- To assess gabapentin's impact on daily attack frequency and bout duration.
Main Methods:
- An open-label pilot study was conducted.
- Eight patients with episodic cluster headache and four with chronic cluster headache participated.
- Patients received a daily dosage of 900 mg of gabapentin.
Main Results:
- All patients achieved pain freedom within 8 days of initiating gabapentin therapy.
- For episodic cluster headache patients, bout duration was reduced by 16-40% compared to previous bouts.
- Gabapentin was effective in patients who had not responded to traditional prophylactic medications.
Conclusions:
- Gabapentin demonstrates remarkable efficacy in treating cluster headache.
- The gabaergic action of gabapentin, potentially combined with calcium channel blockade, may underlie its therapeutic effects.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the precise mechanisms of action.