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Beta Blockers for Headache Prevention

We all know how unpleasant a headache or migraine can be. Unfortunately, some people suffer from chronic migraines. For these patients, medication exists that can help prevent those pulsing, painful attacks. One category of medication used for migraine prevention is beta blockers.

  1. Migraine Headaches

    • Migraines are a painful and common condition; approximately 28 million Americans currently suffer from them. Migraines are characterized by throbbing headaches, extreme sensitivity to light, and nausea. Some patients also report seeing auras and other mild sensory hallucinations while suffering a migraine attack. Migraines can be caused by fatigue, emotional stress, caffeine, alcohol, or unknown factors. The biological root of migraines is somewhat mysterious; researchers are still trying to pin down the exact mechanism of this condition. Some studies show that when a migraine occurs, blood vessels constrict rapidly and severely, followed by a rapid dilation. This releases unnatural levels of certain compounds in the brain, including serotonin and prostaglandins, which can cause inflammation in the brain. This inflammation is thought to cause the pulsing, painful sensations.

    Effect of Beta Blockers

    • Beta blockers have long been used as treatment for hypertension, angina, and heart palpitations. Recently, researchers have discovered that beta blockers also can prevent the onset of migraines. As the cause of migraines is somewhat mysterious, so is the preventative mechanism of beta blockers. Certain neurotransmitters and hormones are beta-adrenergic; beta blockers hinder the effects of these compounds. Somehow, stopping these beta-adrenergic compounds such as adrenaline can prevent a migraine from occurring. Beta blockers will not relieve symptoms of a migraine as they are occurring, and thus should not be used as an acute treatment option.

    Beta Blocker Options

    • You have several options when choosing a beta blocker medication. Commonly prescribed treatments are nadolol, timolol, atenolol, and metoprolol. All of these are also used to treat hypertension; if you suffer from hypertension and migraines, beta blockers may be an economical and efficient treatment option.

    Side Effects

    • Although uncommon, beta blockers can cause fatigue, difficulty breathing, nausea, and impotence. If you suffer any side effects, talk to your doctor immediately.

    Complicaitons

    • Beta blockers may not be right for you if you have high cholesterol, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or diabetes.

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