Gabapentin for prevention of hypobaric hypoxia-induced headache: Randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Author(s): Jafarian S, Abolfazli R, Gorouhi F, Rezaie S, Lotfi J

Affiliation(s): Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Iran, Islamic Republic of.

Publication date & source: 2007-10-26, J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry., [Epub ahead of print]

Publication type:

BACKGROUND: High-altitude headache (HAH) is a hypobaric hypoxia-induced symptom which is commonly experienced by newcomers to high-altitude areas. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of gabapentin in prevention of HAH. METHODS: A placebo-controlled randomized trial was performed at an altitude of 3500 meters. Two hundred and four unacclimatized 15 to 65 years old (mean age[A+/-SD], 31.5A+/-11.7) hotel guests were randomly assigned to a 600mg single-dose of gabapentin capsule or identical placebo. HAH incidence and intensity were measured to assess gabapentin efficacy. Intention to treat analysis was performed. RESULTS: The incidence of HAH was not significantly different between subjects under gabapentin (44[43.1%]) compared with placebo (56[54.9%]; Neuro=0.09). In contrast, moderate/severe HAH had lower incidence in gabapentin group (27[26.5%) versus placebo group (42[41.2%]) showing that gabapentin reduced HAH attack intensity (Neuro=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin was effective for prevention of HAH and had satisfactory tolerability. (controlled-trials.com identifier:ISRCTN26123577).