Journal article
Treating primary headaches in the ED: can droperidol regain its role?
The American journal of emergency medicine, Vol.30(7), pp.1255-1262
09/01/2012
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2011.08.010
PMID: 22030187
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the use and efficacy of low-dose (<= 2 mg) droperidol for the treatment of primary headaches (ie, migraine, cluster, tension-type headache and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, and other primary headaches) in the emergency department (ED).
Methods: A report was generated from a pharmacy database to identify all adult patients who received low-dose droperidol in the ED over a 7-month period; a subsequent retrospective chart review was conducted. Low-dose droperidol was defined as a cumulative dose of <= 2 mg. Patients who received droperidol for any other reason than the treatment of a headache were excluded. Data were analyzed descriptively.
Results: Seventy-three cases in which droperidol was administered for the treatment of a headache were identified over the 7-month period. Most doses (92%) administered were 1.25 mg or less. Fifty-three patients (73%) had complete resolution or significant improvement of headache symptoms as subjectively or objectively (eg, numerical pain scale) documented by the treating physician. Eight patients (11%) had minimal improvement in their headaches symptoms; 12 patients (16%) received no relief after the administration of droperidol. The average time to discharge from the ED was 94.8 +/- 67.2 minutes. No cardiac arrhythmias were noted. Other adverse events included 2 cases of extrapyramidal side effects; one patient reported restlessness/anxiousness and the other patient had dystonia.
Conclusion: The administration of low-dose (<= 2 mg) droperidol may be safe and effective for the treatment of primary headaches in the ED. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Treating primary headaches in the ED: can droperidol regain its role?
- Creators
- Brett Faine - University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsChristopher Hogrefe - University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsJon Van Heukelom - University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsJamie Smelser - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The American journal of emergency medicine, Vol.30(7), pp.1255-1262
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ajem.2011.08.010
- PMID
- 22030187
- ISSN
- 0735-6757
- eISSN
- 1532-8171
- Number of pages
- 8
- Grant note
- Department of Emergency Medicine
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 09/01/2012
- Academic Unit
- Emergency Medicine; Pharmacy Practice and Science
- Record Identifier
- 9984296968402771
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