Hemicrania continua responds to cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors.
BACKGROUND
Hemicrania continua is a primary headache disorder defined by its absolute responsiveness to indomethacin. We report the treatment response to two cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, celecoxib and rofecoxib, in a series of patients with hemicrania continua.


METHODS
Fourteen patients were treated, 9 with rofecoxib and 5 with celecoxib.


RESULTS
Three patients in each group had a complete response to treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors may represent an alternative to indomethacin in the treatment of hemicrania continua. Their mechanism of action for this potential indication is unknown.
Peres
Mario F P
MF
Jefferson Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., USA.
Silberstein
Stephen D
SD
D000068579:Celecoxib; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007783:Lactones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011720:Pyrazoles; D012008:Recurrence; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013450:Sulfones
D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D007783:Lactones; D011720:Pyrazoles; D013449:Sulfonamides; D013450:Sulfones; C116926:rofecoxib; D000068579:Celecoxib; D007213:Indomethacin