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Biomedical subjects

A Heinze

Publications and source records attributed to A Heinze.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Variation of the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4 in the susceptibility to migraine with aura.

To replicate a reported association between migraine with aura (MA) and a promoter polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), we performed a case-control study in a large German sample comprising 472 patients with MA and 506 controls. Neither this polymorphism nor a systematic analysis with single nucleotide polymorphisms capturing the main haplotype diversity of the SLC6A4 locus provided evidence for a contribution of SLC6A4 to the predisposition of complex inherited MA.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Prophylactic measures and acute treatment of migraine].

The treatment of migraine consists of the acute treatment of the migraine attack and prophylactic measures for either pharmacological or non-pharmacological management. Since the retreat of the ergotamines one can only choose between one of the well-established analgesics and one of seven triptans for the treatment of the migraine attack. Although neither a new triptan nor an innovative new application form has been introduced, the year 2006 will be remembered as the year when the first triptan (naratriptan) was released as a prescription-free over-the-counter drug and when the first sumatriptan generics were marketed in Germany. In addition to the beta-blockers metoprolol and propranolol and the calcium antagonist flunarizine two antiepileptic drugs, topiramate and valproic acid, have been rated as first-line prophylactic drugs in Germany. Due to an extensive and successful study program topiramate has been officially approved in Germany.

Anticonvulsants↗
PubMed2004

[Office Treatment of Migraine in 2004].

The current headache classification differentiates between migraine with and migraine without an aura. Each form is characterized by typical pain and concomitant symptoms. In the case of status migrainosus the additional administration of a corticosteroid has proven useful. To cut short mild attacks of migraine, analgesics together with an antiemetic are employed; for severe attacks, triptans are needed. The aim of migraine prophylaxis is to prevent the occurrence of medication-induced headache. It is indicated when at least 6 migraine attacks a month occur. The recommendation to apply prophylaxis in the event of at least three attacks a months is now considered obsolete.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2004

[The headache patient at the ophthalmologist's].

About 50 patients contact an ophthalmologist every month because of headache. Only 20 % can be helped by ophthalmological therapeutic efforts. The vast majority of those patients suffer from migraine. This contribution gives an overview of the most common causes of headache and their therapy. The ophthalmologist should not only exclude an ophthalmological cause of the headache but also contribute to making the correct diagnosis and initiating further treatment.

Causality↗
PubMed2004

Efficacy of phenazone in the treatment of acute migraine attacks: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study.

In this study we compared the efficacy of 1000 mg phenazone with that of placebo in the treatment of acute migraine attacks in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 208 patients. The main target criterion was the number of patients with a pain reduction from severe or moderate to slight or no pain 2 h after taking the pain medication. The percentage of patients satisfying the main target criterion was 48.6% for phenazone and 27.2% (P < 0.05) for placebo. Freedom from pain after 2 h was reported by 27.6% with phenazone treatment and 13.6% (P < 0.05) with placebo. Compared with placebo, the phenazone treatment also resulted in a significant improvement in the associated migraine symptoms of nausea, phonophobia and photophobia. Of patients treated with phenazone 11.4%, and 5.8% of those treated with placebo reported adverse events. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to numbers of patients with adverse events. No serious adverse events occurred. The results show that phenazone at a dosage of 1000 mg is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of acute migraine attacks.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2003

[Prophylactic drug management of migraine].

Migraine prophylaxis with drugs is still an essential part of migraine therapy. This is especially true for those patients with frequent migraines who are in danger of developing drug-induced headaches. Migraine prophylaxis should be taken in consideration in patients who suffer from 7 or more migraine days per month in spite of all non-pharmacological efforts. When choosing a prophylactic drug not only efficacy but tolerability and safety for long-term intake should be considered. Prophylactic drugs used to be classified as drugs of first, second and third choice. According to this step care model treatment was started with a drug of first choice and only in case of lack of efficacy or adverse events a drug of lower choice was selected. Today, in contrast to the traditional step care a stratified care is favored. Treatment is individualized based on an assessment of the patients' medical needs, on comorbidity, the migraine phenotype and most importantly the individual situation of the patient in life. The paper gives an overview of the efficacy and tolerability of drugs used in migraine prophylaxis.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed2002

[Managing the attacks, preventing headache. Migraine therapy in 2002].

At the heart of every migraine treatment concept is the management of the acute attack with effective medication. Here, the triptans have been progressively replacing the ergot alkaloids with their unsatisfactory relationship between effect and side effects. Prophylactic medication is indicated when, despite every non-pharmaceutic measure, migraine attacks occur on seven or more days in a month. The beta receptor blockers metoprolol and propranolol have so far been considered the substances of first choice, but in practice there is now a trend towards substances with a lower potential for side effects. The article provides an up-to-date overview of the efficacy and tolerability of the various migraine prophylactics.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed2002

[Prophylactic drug management of migraine].

Migraine prophylaxis with drugs is still an essential part of migraine therapy. This is especially true for those patients with frequent migraines who are in danger of developing drug-induced headaches. Migraine prophylaxis should be taken in consideration in patients who suffer from 7 or more migraine days per months in spite of all non-pharmacological efforts. When choosing a prophylactic drug not only efficacy but tolerability and safety for long-term intake should be considered. Prophylactic drugs used to be classified as drugs of first, second and third choice. According to this step care model treatment was started with a drug of first choice and only in case of lack of efficacy or adverse events a drug of lower choice was selected. Today, in contrast to the traditional step care a stratified care is favored. Treatment is individualized based on an assessment of the patients' medical needs, on comorbidity, the migraine phenotype and most important the individual situation of the patient in life. The paper gives an overview of the efficacy and tolerability of drugs used in migraine prophylaxis.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed2001

Evidence-based medicine: botulinum toxin A in migraine and tension-type headache.

The therapeutic effect of botulinum toxin in headache was observed coincidentally. The rationale for this new indication initially met with a great deal of scepticism, because the toxin's mechanism of action, cholinergic chemodenervation, does not fit the pathophysiological concept of migraine and other forms of headache. Meanwhile a fair number of studies have been published which indicate efficacy for botulinum toxin and recommend its use for the treatment of tension headache and migraine. According to the evidence-based medicine criteria, grade I evidence has been demonstrated. In addition the use of botulinum toxin for cluster-headache and secondary headache is discussed. Further large scale studies will be regarded to demonstrate the long-term efficacy.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Botulinum toxin A for the treatment of headache disorders and pericranial pain syndromes].

For 20 years botulinum toxin A has been used for the treatment of a variety of disorders characterised by pathologically increased muscle contraction. Recently, treatment of tension headache, migraine, cluster headache, and myofascial pain syndromes of neck, shoulder girdle, and back with botulinum toxin A has become a rapidly expanding new field of research. Several modes of action are discussed for these indications. The blockade of cholinergic innervation reduces muscular hyperactivity for 3 to 6 months. Degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal system of the head and neck are prevented. Nociceptive afferences and blood vessels of the pericranial muscles are decompressed and muscular trigger points and tender points are resolved. The normalisation of muscle spindle activity leads to a normalisation of muscle tone and central control mechanisms of muscle activity. Oromandibular dysfunction is eliminated and muscular stress removed. However, the effect of botulinum toxin A cannot be explained by muscular actions only. Its retrograde uptake into the central nervous system modulates the expression of substance P and enkephalins in the spinal cord and nucleus raphe. Recent findings suggest an inhibition of sterile inflammation which may lead to a blockade of the neurogenic inflammation believed to be the pathophysiological substrate of primary headache disorders. The efficacy of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of pain disorders is being investigated in several studies at the moment. The results and experiences obtained so far present new alternatives in the treatment of chronic pain disorders. The practical use of botulinum toxin A is demonstrated.

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic↗
PubMed2001

[Effects of Harpagophytum procumbens LI 174 (devil's claw) on sensory, motor und vascular muscle reagibility in the treatment of unspecific back pain].

PROBLEM: This randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study was intended to investigate the effects of Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw) on sensory, motor and vascular mechanisms of muscle pain. In addition to clinical efficacy and tolerability, possible action mechanisms were analysed by means of experimental algesimetric methods. METHODOLOGY: The study was performed on patients with slight to moderate muscular tension or slight muscular pain of the back, shoulder and neck. On a double-blind randomised basis the verum group received 2x1 film tablets per day, i. e. 2x480 mg/day, of Harpagophytum extract LI 174 (Rivoltan(R)) at 8.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. over a certain period. The duration of the therapy was 4 weeks. Data recording at 14-day intervals was made using a visual analogue scale, pressure algometer test, recording of antinociceptive muscular reflexes, muscle stiffness test, EMG surface activity, muscular ischaemia test, clinical global score and subjective patient and physician ratings. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients in the verum group and 32 in the placebo group were treated. After four weeks of treatment there was found to be a clear clinical efficacy of the verum on the clinical global score and in the patient and physician ratings. Highly significant effects were found in the visual analogue scale, the pressure algometer test, the muscle stiffness test and the muscular ischaemia test. No difference from placebo was found in the recording of antinociceptive muscular reflexes or in the EMG surface activity. Tolerability was good; no serious adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSIONS: A highly significant clinical efficacy was achieved with a monotherapy of Harpagophytum dry extract LI 174 after four weeks' treatment at a dosage of 2x480 mg/day in cases of slight to moderate muscular pain. With regard to the action mechanisms investigated, it may be concluded that treatment with Harpagophytum extract LI 174 may be expected to have a significant influence on sensory and vascular muscular response and bring about a reduction in muscle stiffness. No central nervous effects were discovered.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Efficacy and tolerability of rizatriptan 10 mg in migraine: experience with 70 527 patient episodes.

As patients who suffer from migraine need long-term treatment, the safety and consistent efficacy of such therapy is very important. Concurrent illness and additional medication can interfere with the treatment chosen for the attacks of migraine. The objective of this open-label study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of rizatriptan, in the treatment of up to three attacks of migraine, in the clinical setting. From October 1998 to July 1999, 6 174 doctors enrolled 33 147 patients into the study (26 644 women, 650 men). The mean age was 42.7 years. We were able to examine standardized migraine diaries relating to 25 501 patients and 70 537 migrainous episodes. Rizatriptan scored consistently high on efficacy and showed a consistently rapid onset. There was no evidence of tolerance to repeated use. An effect was reported within 1 hour of ingestion in 79% of attacks treated. In 27.8% of attacks, remission of headache was complete at 1 hour. Two hours after ingestion, 74% of attacks had subsided completely. Repeated administration of rizatriptan was well tolerated, and few adverse effects were seen. The most common unwanted effects were dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and nausea. No cardiovascular disturbance was seen. In the clinical setting, rizatriptan, 10 mg, is an effective and well-tolerated agent for the treatment of migraine attacks. Particularly noteworthy is the rapid onset of effect, with swift disappearance of headache. Rizatriptan has a favorable side effect profile, and, provided contraindications are observed, severe adverse cardiovascular complications are extremely unlikely.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Value of specialized pain treatment].

The paper describes new forms of specifically organized headache prevention and headache therapy in Germany with the aid of two examples. It provides an overview of the clinical and economic efficiency of facilities with new forms of organization for specialized pain therapy. Their effectiveness can be seen both in a marked reduction in individual suffering and in low-cost provision of services for the institutions bearing the costs and for society. This effectiveness can be seen not only from subjective parameters by interviewing the patients, but also from objective target parameters such as resumption of work, reduction in intake of medication, cost reductions due to reduced demands on the healthcare system, avoidance of premature pensioning. By contrast, patients who do not receive specially organized treatment despite the fact that they need it display either constant suffering or even a worsening of their symptoms and an increased need for financial compensation. In view of this clear situation, specialized headache and pain therapy with a special focus on catering for the needs of chronic headache suffering is called for, both on economic and ethical grounds.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed2000

[Epidemiology and socioeconomic consequences of migraine and headache diseases].

The paper describes the situation of traditional headache therapy on the basis of up-to-date empirical data on headache epidemiology, the habits of the persons affected, and the economic consequences for employers, health insurance funds and society in general. It also describes for the first time the direct costs of in-patient headache therapy in a traditional treatment context without specially organized therapy on the basis of actual invoicing between hospitals and health insurance funds.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Reduction of spastic increased muscle tone in multiple sclerosis by the nonopioid analgesic flupirtine].

OBJECTIVES: A reduction of muscle tone in rats can be found after intraperitoneal or intrathecal injection of flupirtine in analgetic doses. However, a muscle-relaxing effect in patients with spasticity has not yet been shown. In this study we investigated whether flupirtine can reduce the increased muscle tone in patients with spasticity. METHODS: The muscle-relaxing effect of flupirtine was compared to that of tetrazepam and of placebo in a randomised, double-blind, cross-over design. Altogether 9 patients with spastically increased muscle tone of the lower limbs were investigated. The EMG activity integral of the rectus femoris muscle was chosen as quantitative parameter for degree and change of muscle tone. The EMG activity integral was measured using a dynamic bicycle ergometer 60, 120 and 180 min after administration of the tested drugs. The degree of spasticity was measured as the quotient of the EMG activity integral of the active and passive rotation phase. This quotient is inversely proportional to the spastic muscle activity. RESULTS: With flupirtine a significant increase in the EMG activity integral was found after 60 min (maximum effect). From 120 min it showed a slow decline. With tetrazepam the maximal effect was reached after 180 min. Placebo did not change the EMG activity integral during the experiment. CONCLUSION: These results support the thesis that flupirtine has a muscle-relaxing effect in patients with pathologically increased muscle tone.

Clinical Trial↗