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Pharmacotherapy of cluster headache
1University of Münster, Department of Neurology, Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33, 48129 Münster, Germany. everss@uni-muenster.de
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|June 24, 2010
Summary
Cluster headache, a severe pain syndrome, is treatable with acute and prophylactic drug therapies. Individualized treatment plans combining oxygen, sumatriptan, and verapamil can significantly improve quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Headache Disorders
Background:
- Cluster headache is a devastating trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia with significant unmet research needs.
- Despite its prevalence and severity, cluster headache receives limited attention in basic and clinical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current acute and prophylactic drug treatments for cluster headache.
- To provide an overview of established and emerging therapeutic strategies for cluster headache management.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of clinical trials on acute and prophylactic drug treatments for cluster headache.
- Inclusion of review articles and book chapters to synthesize existing knowledge.
Main Results:
- Acute treatment options include oxygen inhalation, subcutaneous sumatriptan, and intranasal sumatriptan or zolmitriptan.
- Verapamil is the first-line prophylactic treatment; steroids, lithium, anticonvulsants, and methysergide are also effective.
- Interventional procedures are being explored for refractory cases, with future research focusing on novel anticonvulsants and immunotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of cluster headache is achievable through a personalized approach to acute and prophylactic drug treatment.
- Individualized treatment strategies can lead to sufficient symptom control and improved quality of life for most patients.
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