Influence of flunarizine on the altered electronystagmographic (ENG) recordings in migraine

Flunarizine, a slow-channel calcium blocker, appeared to be effective in the prophylactic treatment of common and classic migraine in 29 out-patients included in a double-blind clinical trial. After a two-month placebo period, half the patients were treated with flunarizine, 10 mg a day for up to 120 days, half with placebo. Electronystagmographic (ENG) recordings were performed at the end of the common placebo period and after two and four months of treatment, respectively. There was a significant reduction in Headache Unit Index (HUI) and Headache Unit Index Corrected (HUIC) (42% and 40.5% respectively) in the flunarizine-treated group but not in the placebo group. Analgesic intake was reduced and intensity of pain was unchanged in both groups throughout the trial. ENG data were not significantly affected by flunarizine treatment.