title: Treatment of post-electroconvulsive therapy headache with topical methyl salicylate.
abstract: Headache after administration of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is common, affecting approximately half of patients treated. Post-ECT headache is typically treated with acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs but occasionally requires agents such as sumatriptan, opioids, or β-blockers. We report on a patient whose severe post-ECT headaches responded completely to methyl salicylate ointment, applied to the area of his temporalis and masseter muscles. Topical methyl salicylate is generally well tolerated and may be a viable option for some patients with post-ECT headache.
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Logan
authors.forename: Jonathan T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006261:Headache / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D020910:Ketorolac / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D012459:Salicylates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009824:Ointments; D012459:Salicylates; C033069:methyl salicylate; D020910:Ketorolac