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A role for anticonvulsants in migraine
Functional Neurology
|October 1, 1986
Summary
Anticonvulsants are not recommended for migraine treatment but can manage associated autonomic symptoms like hyperosmia and leg pain. Low-dose phenytoin shows promise for these specific migraine-related disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Migraine treatment traditionally excludes anticonvulsants.
- Central and autonomic disturbances are common in migraine patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of anticonvulsants in managing specific migraine-associated symptoms.
- To highlight the utility of phenytoin in interictal and ictal periods.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on anticonvulsant use in migraine.
- Clinical observation of patient responses to low-dose phenytoin.
Main Results:
- Anticonvulsants are ineffective for primary migraine treatment.
- Phenytoin demonstrated efficacy in managing hyperosmia, osmophobia, and leg pain during interictal and ictal phases.
Conclusions:
- Anticonvulsants have a defined role in managing specific central and autonomic disturbances associated with migraine.
- Low-dose phenytoin is a potential therapeutic option for these symptoms.