Aspirin and tension-type headache.

Abstract

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, Aspirin) is among the most used drugs worldwide. At present, Aspirin represents a quite versatile drug employed in the control of pain symptomatologies and in situations such as prevention of both ischaemic stroke and cardiovascular events. Aspirin causes inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis by inactivation of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. ASA constitutes the focus of new researches explaining more widely Aspirin's control of inflammation. The induction of the endogenous epimers lipoxins (Aspirin-triggered 15-epi-lipoxins, ATLs) represents one of the most recent achievements. This particular feature of Aspirin is not shared by other NSAIDs. ASA is well known as a headache medication, figuring as a possible treatment choice in tension-type headache but also in acute migraine attacks. Furthermore, a new Aspirin formulation with a greater rapidity of action has been introduced. In conclusion, little information exists on the subject and more studies are required.

• Authors: Ivano Farinelli, Paolo Martelletti
• Journal: The journal of headache and pain (J Headache Pain) Vol. 8 Issue 1 Pg. 49-55 (Feb 2007) ISSN: 1129-2369 [Print] England
• PMID: 17192817 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Aspirin

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (therapeutic use)
• Aspirin (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Tension-Type Headache (drug therapy, epidemiology)