[Prevention of tension type headache with topiramate].

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of topiramate in the prevention of tension type headache. Tension type headache is the most common primary headache; the 1-year prevalence is 38%. Tension type headache often causes reduced quality of life.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

In this study 51 patients were included; the dose of topiramate was gradually increased to 100 mg and patients were followed up for 6 months. The number of days and decrease in headache intensity were measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 1 to 10 before and with therapy.

RESULTS

Study results showed a statistically significant decrease in the number of days with headache: the mean number of days before therapy was 13.25 and with therapy 8.65, (p=0,0001). A statistically significant decrease in headache intensity was also observed by VAS scale: before therapy 6.27 and with therapy 3.33 (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This study showed topiramate to be efficient in the prevention of tension type headache.