Nimodipine in migraine: clinical efficacy and endocrinological effects

Serum prolactin is increased during chronic flunarizine treatment of patients suffering from migraine. In order to clarify the role of calcium in control of the secretion of anterior pituitary hormones, a study has now been made of the effects of chronic nimodipine and propranolol treatment of migraine patients on prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH) levels. 11 patients were treated with nimodipine and 8 with propranolol for four months. A statistically significant reduction in the frequency of the attacks was demonstrated in both groups. No significant change was found in the hormones levels during nimodipine treatment.