Compression of Superficial Temporal Arteries by a Handmade Device: A Simple Way to Block or Attenuate Migraine Attacks in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Because a prolonged compression of the major scalp arteries blocks migraine attacks in a substantial number of patients, we studied the effect of the use of a simple handmade device in blocking an incoming headache attack in children and adolescents. Thirty-seven consecutive ambulatory patients were instructed to apply, at the onset of each migraine attack, a handmade device firmly compressing both temporal arteries. Thirteen patients interrupted treatment because of intolerance of the local pain provoked by compression of the device. Of the remaining 24 patients, 17 reported benefit from using the device and 7 no effect. In these 17 patients, the percentage of attacks aborted or attenuated by early use of the device was 90.5% in the first month and 95.7% in the second month; the consumption of antipain drugs dropped from the mean 4.4 +/- 2.6 in the pre-device month to 1.3 +/- 1.6 in the first and 0.6 +/- 0.9 in the second month.