Statin for Migraine Headache: Is It Worthwhile?

Migraine is a severe primary headache disorder that affects about 12% of the population, and it often occurs along with nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. For patients with migraine, beta-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, are given as the first line of preventive treatment; alternatives include calcium channel blockers. Not only statins prevent the synthesis of cholesterol biosynthesis but also they have a pleiotropic effect such as antiinflammatory effects, antioxidant property, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects, the stability of plaque, normalization of sympathetic outflow, and inhibit of platelet aggregation. Here, we should focus on the evidence that works on the effect of the statins on migraine headaches, especially in patients who do not respond to first-line prevention treatments. The hypothesis may show that statins could be effective in the treatment of patients with migraine. Taken together, some epidemiologic, clinical, and experimental evidence suggest that statin may be a novel and promising candidate. For future treatment or prophylaxis of migraine, we hope that the use of this drug as cholesterol and triglycerides(blood lipids) leads to rebate drugs, as well as to reduce migraine headaches episodes agent to enhance the role of this drug in cure or prevent migraine attacks or recurrence, and finally to improve the patient's quality of life.