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Topiramate: a case series study in migraine prophylaxis
W B Young1, M M Hopkins, A L Shechter
1Department of Neurology and Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. William. B. Young@mail.tju.edu
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|October 18, 2002
Summary
Topiramate significantly reduced headache frequency and severity in 74 migraine patients. This treatment offers a viable option for managing both episodic and chronic migraine, with manageable side effects.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headaches.
- Topiramate is an anticonvulsant medication with established efficacy in migraine prophylaxis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of topiramate in a real-world setting for patients with episodic and chronic migraine.
- To assess the impact of topiramate on headache frequency, severity, and adverse events.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of electronic medical records for 74 migraine patients treated with topiramate for over 6 weeks.
- Analysis of changes in monthly headache frequency and severity (10-point scale) before and after treatment.
- Documentation of adverse events and weight changes.
Main Results:
- Mean headache frequency decreased from 20.6 to 13.6 days/month (P<0.0001).
- Significant reductions observed in both episodic (25.7 to 17.7 days/month, P<0.001) and chronic migraine (9.9 to 5.1 days/month, P<0.0001).
- 44.6% of patients achieved >=50% reduction in headache frequency; adverse events (paresthesias, cognitive difficulties) reported in 58.1%.
Conclusions:
- Topiramate effectively reduces headache frequency and severity in patients with both episodic and chronic migraine.
- The medication is generally well-tolerated, with mild to moderate adverse events.
- Topiramate represents a valuable therapeutic option for migraine management.