Headache 2001
Triptans in the treatment of basilar migraine and migraine with prolonged aura.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE
To report on the use of triptans in migraine with prominent neurologic symptoms.
BACKGROUND
As stated in their package inserts, the triptans are contraindicated in patients with basilar or familial hemiplegic migraine, and physicians are reluctant to prescribe these drugs to other patients with prominent or prolonged aura.
METHODS
We evaluated 13 patients with basilar migraine, familial hemiplegic migraine, or migraine with prominent or prolonged aura who had received triptans.
RESULTS
Excellent; no adverse events.
CONCLUSION
The contraindication of triptans in basilar migraine should be reconsidered. Similarly, prominent or prolonged aura may not represent a reasonable contraindication to triptan therapy.
Related Questions
New answer by at Barrow Neurological Institute (April 21, 2025)
I think it is important to point out that true hemiplegic migraine is very rare. Many patients are incorrectly diagnosed with (sporadic) hemiplegic migraine, and actually have...