Flunarizine in migraine prophylaxis: predictive factors for a positive response.
The efficacy of flunarizine in migraine prophylaxis is confirmed in both open and controlled trials. However, it is unknown what factors may influence a good response to prophylaxis with flunarizine. The aim of this study was to determine the possible predictive factors for therapeutic responsiveness to 3 months' treatment with flunarizine. One-hundred headache patients treated with flunarizine were evaluated. We considered "responders" those patients who recorded a reduction in migraine frequency of 75% after treatment. Statistical analysis revealed four factors which might influence therapeutic responsiveness in our patients. Positive factors were a family history (p<0.01) and high intensity of pain (p<0.01); negative factors were frequent attacks (p<0.01) and a history of analgesic abuse (p<0.001). Patients with no previous history of analgesic abuse, low frequency of attacks at baseline, higher levels of migraine pain, and positive family history constitute the prototype of flunarizine long-term treatment responders.
Lucetti
C
C
Department of Neuroscience, University of Pisa, Italy.
Nuti
A
A
Pavese
N
N
Gambaccini
G
G
Rossi
G
G
Bonuccelli
U
U
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005444:Flunarizine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D005444:Flunarizine