Blood pressure meds can prevent headaches: New research

Lots of veterans and service members suffer from headaches connected with their PTSD, and it's pretty hard to get rid of them.

A new article claims that one specific medication can prevent this pain.

Let's find out more about this study.

How the scientists understood that

A recent study led by VA Puget Sound Health Care System found that the blood pressure medication prazosin can prevent posttraumatic headaches. 

Posttraumatic headaches are a common long-term consequence of mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions) in Veterans and service members. 

Current treatments often fail to provide relief for these headaches. 

In a pilot study, 48 participants with headaches caused by mild TBI took increasing doses of prazosin for five weeks before reaching the maximum dose for 12 weeks. 

The drug was well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. 

The results

Participants taking prazosin experienced a significant reduction in headache frequency, with an average of only six headache days per month compared to 12 days in the placebo group. 

Prazosin also improved participants' quality of life, as headaches had less impact on their daily functioning. 

While larger trials are needed, these findings offer hope for Veterans suffering from posttraumatic headaches, providing a potential solution for a widespread problem.
 

• Related news:
• depression
• headache
• research
• 2 July 2023

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