Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has also been studied as a treatment for acute CH attacks.21,22 Weiss et al treated a CH patient with hyperbaric (2 atmospheres) 100% oxygen, after she had been refractory to conventional oxygen therapy.21 Two attacks were treated with HBO, with prompt and complete pain relief. Di Sabato et al treated 7 ECH patients with HBO in a placebo controlled study.22 Six patients responded well to treatment, with interruption of their attack. Moreover, in 3 of the responders the CH period ended after HBO treatment. Placebo treatment had no effect find more on pain. In summary, normobaric oxygen is an effective treatment of acute CH

attacks in the majority of patients. It is well tolerated and has virtually no AEs. selleck chemicals As opposed to triptans, there is no limitation to the number of times per

day it can be used. A proper technique of use is crucial for good results with oxygen therapy. The patient should be instructed to use the oxygen via a non-rebreathable mask, at a rate of 7-10 L/min, in a sitting position, for at least 15-20 minutes. Patients may increase the flow rate up to 15 L/min if needed. The optimal flow rate should be determined individually for each patient. The major disadvantage of oxygen therapy is its inconvenience of use, particularly when the patient is out of home. Portable oxygen tanks are available for patients who wish to use it in these circumstances. Oxygen therapy for CH should be used with caution, or even avoided, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, because of the risk of respiratory depression. HBO may be considered for refractory CH patients. However, because this is not a readily available therapy, and there is no evidence for a sustained effect of it on CH,23 the majority of patients are not likely to benefit from it. Ergot derivatives were among the first agents to be used in CH treatment.

Reports on the efficacy of ergotamine for this indication date medchemexpress back to the 1940s and 1950s.1 These data, however, were based on small, open-label studies and on case reports. The drug has not been evaluated in controlled studies for this indication. Kudrow compared the efficacy of sublingual ergotamine with that of oxygen in 50 patients with CH.17 The response rate to ergotamine was 70%, as compared with 82% for oxygen (with no significant between-group difference). Oxygen was better tolerated than ergotamine; however, the latter was more convenient to use. Because of limited availability and potentially serious AEs, most notably those related to the drug’s vasoconstrictive effect, ergotamine is currently rarely used for acute CH. Dihydroergotamine (DHE) is available in injectable (intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous) and intranasal formulations. Although no data from controlled trials are available, clinical experience suggests efficacy of intravenous DHE for acute CH.