[Therapeutic concepts in the treatment of headache].

Abstract

One of the most common forms of primary headache is tension headache with a dull pressure-like pain on both sides of the head. In addition to treatment with acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol or ibuprofen, the application of cold and relaxation techniques have proven to be of use. Chronic forms are treated with tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline. Unilateral cluster headache responds to inhalation of oxygen and subcutaneous and intranasal treatment with tryptan. By way of prophylaxis, prednisone, verapamil, lithium carbonate and topiramate are applied. For persistent drug-induced headache, withdrawal is the first-line treatment. The more rare forms of nonsymptomatic headache include paroxysmal hemicrania and trigeminal neuralgia, in the prevention of which carbamazepine, phenytoin or oxcarbazepine have proven of value.

• Authors: H C Diener, A Eikermann
• Journal: MMW Fortschritte der Medizin (MMW Fortschr Med) Vol. 146 Issue 13 Pg. 33-4, 36-7 (Mar 25 2004) ISSN: 1438-3276 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Der Kopfschmerztyp weist den Weg für die Therapie.
• PMID: 15219127 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Analgesics
• Anticonvulsants
• Serotonin Receptor Agonists
• Vasodilator Agents

Topics

• Analgesics (therapeutic use)
• Anticonvulsants (therapeutic use)
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Headache (classification, drug therapy, etiology)
• Humans
• Pain Measurement (classification)
• Serotonin Receptor Agonists (therapeutic use)
• Vasodilator Agents (therapeutic use)