title: Triptans and third nerve paresis: a case series of three patients.
abstract: PurposeThe aim of this report is to increase awareness of a possible association between cranial nerve paresis and the use of sumatriptan in migraine sufferers, particularly in patients who have additional vascular risk factors.Patients and methodsWe describe a series of three cases where third nerve paresis developed in patients who were treated with the oral form of sumatriptan. All of the patients had a clear history of repetitive migraine headache and none of them had previous third nerve paresis.ConclusionAmong a variety of medications for the treatment of migraine, there are some drugs with vasoconstrictive effects, particularly triptans. These drugs may be a contributing factor for microvascular damage of the cranial nerves and other organs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, UK.
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Novitskaya
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, UK.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Cates
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, UK.
authors.forename: O M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Bowes
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, UK.|Department of Ophthalmology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Vivian
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D015840:Oculomotor Nerve Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010291:Paresis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D018170:Sumatriptan / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D018170:Sumatriptan