Muscle contraction headache: dexamethasone suppression test and response to amitriptyline.
Chronic muscle contraction headache (CMCH) and depression have many features in common. Patients with CMCH respond to antidepressants. We attempted to further elucidate this relationship through the use of the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) pattern of patients suffering from CMCH as well as their response to amitriptyline. Twenty drug-free patients suffering from CMCH of at least 6 months' duration were studied with DST and subsequently treated with amitriptyline 75 mg at bedtime. Nineteen patients completed the treatment trial and reported variable headache relief. All cortisol levels were within the expected range. We conclude CMCH patients do not display the DST pattern of endogenous depression.
Tuchman
A J
AJ
Department of Neurology, New York Medical College, Lincoln Hospital, N.Y.
Daras
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003907:Dexamethasone; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000639:Amitriptyline; D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone