Intranasal lidocaine for cluster headache

Headache. 1995 Feb;35(2):83-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1995.hed3502083.x.

Abstract

Thirty male patients with cluster headache were given 4% lidocaine solution to use intranasally as an abortive therapy. Four sprays of lidocaine were used ipsilateral to the pain, and two more were used, if necessary. Twenty-seven percent of the men reported moderate relief, 27% obtained mild relief, and 46% stated that they had no relief from the lidocaine, Side effects were minimal. In this study, intranasal lidocaine was only a marginally helpful therapy for cluster headache. However, because of the ease of administration and lack of side effects, lidocaine may remain worthwhile as an adjunctive medication.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Adult
  • Cluster Headache / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Lidocaine / adverse effects*
  • Lidocaine / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Lidocaine