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Sumatriptan dose increase-induced acute angle closure glaucoma in chronic migraine sufferer
Sokratis Zormpas1, Artemis Matsou2, Diandra Monique Antunes3
1Ophthalmology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK sokratis-zor@hotmail.com.
BMJ Case Reports
|February 24, 2021
Summary
A rare case of bilateral acute angle closure (AAC) attack occurred in a patient taking sumatriptan for migraines. Prompt drug cessation and ophthalmology consultation are vital for preventing vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bilateral acute angle closure (AAC) is a serious ophthalmic condition.
- Sumatriptan is commonly used for migraine relief.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old female with no prior eye issues experienced AAC after increasing her sumatriptan dose.
- Initial symptoms were mistaken for a migraine attack.
Findings:
- Drug-induced bilateral AAC is rare, especially in patients without predisposing factors.
- The patient developed AAC during long-term sumatriptan use, following a dose increase.
Implications:
- Emergency care clinicians must recognize the potential link between sumatriptan and AAC.
- Early detection and ophthalmology consultation are crucial to prevent significant ocular morbidity.
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