title: Safety and efficacy of intravenous sodium valproate in the treatment of acute migraine.
abstract: This multicenter study investigated the safety and efficacy of intravenous valproate in acute migraine attacks and the possible impact of prophylactic valproate pre-treatment. Thirty-six patients established on migraine prophylaxis were administered 500 mg sodium valproate intravenously against acute migraine attacks. Pain development was assessed by visual analogue scale up to a 24 hours follow up interview to detect e.g. possible relapse symptoms. A subgroup analysis examined whether prophylactic treatment with valproate affected its acute anti-migraine efficacy. A meaningful headache reduction within two hours was achieved in all 12 patients with and in 20 out of 24 patients without valproate prophylaxis. Headache-associated signs and symptoms were substantially reduced. No serious side-effects were reported. The results confirm the therapeutic value of intravenous valproate in acute migraine attacks described in literature and show a beneficial effect on all investigated efficacy parameters with a trend to even better response in patients receiving valproate prophylaxis.
authors.affiliation: Medical Faculty, Charles University Prague, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. waberzinekg@fnhk.cz
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Waberzinek
authors.forename: Jolana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Marková
authors.forename: Jirí
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mastík
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid