The Role of Melatonin in the Treatment of Primary Headache Disorders.
Headache. 2016 Jun 17;
Authors: Gelfand AA, Goadsby PJ
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To provide a summary of knowledge about the use of melatonin ( mélatonine )in the treatment of primary headache disorders.
BACKGROUND: Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland; its production is regulated by the hypothalamus and increases during periods of darkness.
METHODS: We undertook a narrative review of the literature on the role of melatonin ( mélatonine )in the treatment of primary headache disorders.
RESULTS: There are randomized placebo-controlled trials examining melatonin ( mélatonine )for preventive treatment of migraine and cluster headache. For cluster headache, melatonin ( mélatonine )10 mg was superior to placebo. For migraine, a randomized placebo-controlled trial of melatonin ( mélatonine )3 mg (immediate release) was positive, though an underpowered trial of melatonin ( mélatonine )2 mg (sustained release) was negative. Uncontrolled studies, case series, and case reports cover melatonin's role in treating tension-type headache, hypnic headache, hemicrania continua, SUNCT/SUNA and primary stabbing headache.
CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin may be effective in treating several primary headache disorders, particularly cluster headache and migraine. Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of benefit of melatonin ( mélatonine )in different headache disorders, as well as clarifying optimal dosing and formulation.
PMID: 27316772 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27316772?dopt=Abstract