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.
Conclusion: 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.