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High altitude headache: treatment with ibuprofen
J R Broome1, M D Stoneham, J M Beeley
1Royal Naval Medical Service, Middlesex, England.
Ibuprofen effectively treats high altitude headache, a common symptom of acute mountain sickness (AMS). This study found ibuprofen superior to placebo for rapid relief and reduced need for further medication.
Area of Science:
- Altitude Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute mountain sickness (AMS) affects up to 50% of individuals rapidly ascending above 3,000m.
- High altitude headache is a prevalent symptom of AMS, experienced by approximately 95% of sufferers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral ibuprofen for treating high altitude headache.
- To compare ibuprofen's effectiveness against a placebo in a controlled trial.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, within-patient crossover study.
- 21 mountaineers participating in expeditions in the Bolivian Andes and Himalayas were enrolled.
- Headache severity and time to relief were primary outcome measures.
Main Results:
- Ibuprofen significantly reduced headache severity and provided faster relief compared to placebo (mean difference of 94 minutes to no/minimal headache).
- Only 14% of participants required additional medication after taking ibuprofen, versus 83% after placebo (p=0.02).
- 73% of participants preferred ibuprofen over placebo (p=0.004).
Conclusions:
- Ibuprofen is a safe and effective treatment for high altitude headache.
- The drug offers significant benefits in symptom reduction and speed of relief for AMS-related headaches.
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