As of: April 4, 2024, 5:00 p.m
By: Andreas Beez
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A family doctor refused to prescribe certain headache tablets to her patient for fear of a stroke. A neurologist explains it.
In Germany alone, around ten million people struggle with migraine attacks, and their suffering is sometimes massive. If common painkillers such as ibuprofen or ASA do not work sufficiently, so-called triptans can help. But some doctors are skeptical about these medications. The
German Brain Foundation
has now reported on a prime example from practice
. Accordingly, a family doctor refused to prescribe triptans to her 19-year-old patient. “The reason is the fear of a stroke,” says Dr. Wolf-Oliver Krohn, neurologist and patient advisor at the Brain Foundation.
Dr. Wolf-Oliver Krohn is a neurologist and patient advisor at the German Brain Foundation. © German Brain Foundation
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German Brain Foundation: Study from Denmark disproves the increased risk of stroke caused by triptans
Concern about a stroke is particularly widespread among women who take the contraceptive pill. However, the additional use of a triptan does not increase the risk, as a large study from Denmark recently showed, emphasizes the Brain Foundation. In Denmark, all people who took a triptan for the first time were recorded - including women who used the pill. “The risk of stroke from a triptan was negligible and mainly affected people over 60 years of age with an increased risk of vascular diseases,” explains the Brain Foundation.
Only seven percent of migraine patients receive the highly effective medication
According to the expert organization, the unjustified fear of a stroke has tragic consequences. Only about seven percent of migraine patients receive the highly effective triptans. This emerged in the “Burden 2020” study.
Migraines: Pulsating pain attacks
Migraines are common. The pain spreads like attacks and is
more severe than with tension headaches
. Those affected often describe it as pulsating or stabbing and particularly severe when moving. “
Nausea, vomiting and a particularly high sensitivity to light, smell and noise are also typical
,” explains Solveig Haw, doctor and health expert for
DKV
insurance .
Loss of quality of life: Millions of people suffer from migraine attacks. © IMAGO/imageBROKER/Oleksandr Latkun
In addition, many patients experience a so-called aura before the attack, which
can
limit perception
. “During a migraine attack, retreating to a dark, quiet place, applying peppermint oil to the temples, or cooling the forehead can provide pain relief,” recommends Haw.
In the case of an acute migraine,
painkillers taken as early
as possible are also helpful. “Patients should clarify with their family doctor or neurologist which medication and in what dose are best for an attack. “Rare forms of headaches and complicated processes should be referred to a specialist or to a migraine consultation, which is usually found in large clinics,” advises the expert.
Migraines are just one
of more than 200 types of headaches
. For many, the causes are still unknown, the DKV expert continued. “But there are some factors that can increase pain,” says Haw. Risk factors include alcohol, dehydration, change in weather, caffeine, stress or noise. “If you know your triggers, you can consciously avoid them and thus reduce the frequency of headaches,” explains the DKV health expert. In addition, light
endurance sports, exercise in the fresh air, such as walks, or relaxation methods
can also help prevent headaches.
Neurologist Dr. Oliver Krohn: Beta blockers can help prevent migraine attacks
Neurologist Krohn emphasizes that medication is an important weapon in the fight against migraine attacks: “First of all, it is important to consistently relieve the acute pain. The triptans have proven to be effective when classic painkillers such as acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen are not effective enough.” The number of migraine attacks can also be reduced through exercise, relaxation and the search for triggers, such as lack of sleep and stress, Krohn continues. “A number of medications have a preventive effect, such as beta-blockers. If these do not help, so-called CGRP antibodies can be prescribed. They get to the root of the problem and inhibit certain messenger substances between nerve cells that are involved in the development of seizures.” Those affected can find out more at the German Brain Foundation.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.