title: Divalproex sodium and other medications for headache following craniotomy for acoustic neuroma.
abstract: Multiple pharmacologic agents were used in attempt to relieve a constant and severe headache in a 47-year-old patient following craniotomy for removal of an acoustic neuroma. Possible etiologies for the unremitting headache are presented. Response to various pharmacologic agents are listed and discussed. During the postoperative course of two surgeries on this patient, it was possible to propose an etiology for the headache by analyzing the mechanisms of each therapeutic agent, along with the patient's response. Divalproex sodium provided complete relief, suggesting the headache is attributable to cell membrane instability.
authors.affiliation: Mensana Clinic, Stevenson, MD 21153-9999, USA.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hendler
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cashen
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Holliday
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003399:Craniotomy; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012086:Reoperation; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014653:Vascular Headaches / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid