Abstract:
Background: Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of headache and associated symptoms that last 4-72 hours.
It is a disease with genetic substrate, very common, debilitating and costly, with a considerable socioeconomic impact, recorded mainly in the most
productive period of life between 25 and 55 years. Migraine is often associated with photophobia, phonophobia, vertigo, sometimes vomiting, fatigue.
For the treatment of migraine attacks are recommended NSAIDS, triptans, ergot preparations. For preventive treatment are recommended β-adrenergic
blockers, calcium channel inhibitors, serotonin antagonists, tranquilizers, antidepressants. Typically, most of such pharmaceuticals are administered orally.
Since most of migraine attacks are accompanied with a retro-orbital pain, the efficacy and safety of topical Timolol 0.5% on blockage of β-adrenergic
receptors for preventing migraine headaches are assessed. Beta-blockers are awell-known prophylactic treatment for migraine; however, treatment by
the ocular route has not been widely considered. Timolol maleate eye drops 0.5% have been prescribed as a prophylactic treatment against migraine
headaches, according to reports with success in terms of the prophylactic effect of such treatment.
Conclusion: This article presents cases from the literature that illustrate the resolution of a visual field defect, ophtalmoplegia and another simptoms
associated with migraine possibly due to administration of a topical beta-blocker. This novel method of treatment may have a place in the management
of migraine. Timolol maleate eye drop is an effictive, well-tolerated, safe, and easy-to-use prophylactic antimigraine medication.
Description:
Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery,
Department of Ophtalmology, Nicolae Testemitsanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, the Republic of Moldova