Verapamil in prevention of cluster headache

Abstract

Objective To study the impact of verapamil on the attack and headache degree in patients with cluster headache (CH) and to provide some references for the control of CH. Methods 60 patients with CH were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group, 30 for each group. The control group were treated with prednisone, flunarizine, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and other conventional therapy; in addition, the experimental group were treated with verapamil, 3 times/d, for 3 weeks. The attack frequency of CH was recorded 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the medication. The headache degree was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) and the mood and quality of life by mood status scale (POMS) and simple quality of life amounts WHO table-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). The plasma levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were measured. Results 2 and 3 weeks after the treatment, the attack frequencies of CH were lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05). 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the treatment, the scores of headache VAS were lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05). The anxiety, depression, fatigue, and mental scores were lower and the scores of physiological function, psychological function, social function, and general health were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05). The 5-HT concentration was higher and the CGRP was lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Verapamil for CH can reduce the attack frequency, relieve headache degree, and improve the patients’ quality of life and has remarkable preventive effect for CH. Key words: Cluster headache; Verapamil; Prevention; Quality of life