Baclofen in Cluster Headache

Cluster headache is a rare, severe, clinically well‐characterized disorder that occurs in both episodic and chronic forms. The painful short‐lived attacks occur unilaterally and are associated with signs and symptoms of autonomic involvement. They are difficult to treat, and reported prophylactic th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Headache 2000-01, Vol.40 (1), p.48-51
Main Authors: Hering-Hanit, R., Gadoth, N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
baclofen
Baclofen - therapeutic use
Biological and medical sciences
Cardiovascular system
cluster headache
Cluster Headache - drug therapy
Cluster Headache - prevention & control
GABA Agonists - therapeutic use
GABAB
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Pilot Projects
Time Factors
Vasodilator agents. Cerebral vasodilators
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Summary:Cluster headache is a rare, severe, clinically well‐characterized disorder that occurs in both episodic and chronic forms. The painful short‐lived attacks occur unilaterally and are associated with signs and symptoms of autonomic involvement. They are difficult to treat, and reported prophylactic therapies include ergotamine, steroids, methysergide, lithium carbonate, verapamil, valproate, capsaicin, leuprolide, clonidine, methylergonovine maleate, and melatonin. Baclofen, an antispastic agent, has been shown to have an antinociceptive action. Its efficacy in the treatment of neuralgias, central pain following spinal lesions or painful strokes, migraine, and medication misuse chronic daily headache suggested that it may prevent cluster headache attacks. Nine cluster headache patients received baclofen, 15 to 30 mg, in three divided doses. Within a week, six of nine patients reported the cessation of attacks. One was substantially better and became attack free by the end of the following week. In the remaining two patients, the attacks worsened and corticosteroids were prescribed. In this pilot study, baclofen seemed to be effective and well tolerated for the prevention of cluster headache.
ISSN:0017-8748
1526-4610
DOI:10.1046/j.1526-4610.2000.00009.x