Pain relief by somatostatin in attacks of cluster headache.
The pain relieving effect of somatostatin treatment during 72 attacks of cluster headache in 8 male patients was compared to treatment with ergotamine or placebo in a double-blind study. Infusion of somatostatin (25 micrograms/min for 20 min i.v.) reduced the maximal pain intensity and the duration of pain significantly compared to placebo treatment, and to a degree comparable to ergotamine tartrate treatment (250 micrograms i.m.). The results obtained provide new information concerning the possible mechanism of cluster headache attacks and suggest a new therapeutic approach.
D000328:Adult; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004878:Ergotamine; D004879:Ergotamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014653:Vascular Headaches / Q000188:drug therapy*
D004879:Ergotamines; D013004:Somatostatin; D004878:Ergotamine