Posted by Clara (24.69.246.29) on June 29, 2001 at 17:40:08:
I am currently trying ritalin for this cluster cycle which starteded on
Monday, I do not think this is working, but I am still working on dosages
etc. While visiting my Doc, a med student was doing his practicum and was
looking up clusters on Medline while questioning me, he came up with the
following and I have never heard of it so I thought I'd ask everyone...
it may be my next line of defence as I've tried so many things!
Any input would be appreciated. Here it is...
Unique Identifier
20223361
Author
Hering-Hanit R. Gadoth N.
Institution
Department of Neurology, Meir General Hospital, Kfar Saba, and the
Sackler
Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Title
Baclofen in cluster headache.
Source
Headache. 40(1):48-51, 2000 Jan.
Abstract
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. (Abstract
by: Author)
Sorry so long
Clara