Propranolol in the management of recurrent migraine: a meta-analytic review.
We used meta-analytic statistical techniques to synthesize findings from studies that evaluated propranolol HCI for the prevention of recurrent migraine (2,403 treated patients). The modal migraine sufferer treated in these studies was a female, about 37 years of age, who suffered from common (rather than classical) migraines and reported a 17-year history of problem migraines. The modal treatment was 160 mg. propranolol per day. Meta-analysis revealed that, on average, propranolol yielded a 44% reduction in migraine activity when daily headache recordings were used to assess treatment outcome, and a 65% reduction in migraine activity when less conservative measures (e.g., clinical ratings of improvement, global patient reports) were used. Meta-analysis thus revealed substantial support for short-term effectiveness of propranolol. However, little information was available concerning the long-term effectiveness of propranolol.
Holroyd
K A
KA
Institute of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Ohio University, Athens 45701-2979.
Penzien
D B
DB
Cordingley
G E
GE
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011379:Prognosis; D011433:Propranolol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012008:Recurrence
D011433:Propranolol