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The Current Status of Histamine Desensitization in the Treatment of Cluster Headache

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Cluster Headache

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Abstract

Histamine desensitization is not an effective treatment for cluster headache despite the findings of increased levels of histamine in the blood and urine of patients suffering from this condition. Recent in vitro observations on H1 and H2 histamine receptors support the concept of desensitization by “down-regulation” and other receptor changes. Blockade of histamine receptors by two classes of antihistamine drugs fails to prevent cluster headaches. These observations suggest that histamine plays only a secondary role in this condition.

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Authors
  1. J. Keith Campbell
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Houston Headache Clinic and Department of Neurology, University of Texas, Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA

    Ninan T. Mathew M.D. (Director) (Director)

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© 1984 Spectrum Publications, Inc.

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Campbell, J.K. (1984). The Current Status of Histamine Desensitization in the Treatment of Cluster Headache. In: Mathew, N.T. (eds) Cluster Headache. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-7822-8_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-7822-8_12

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-011-7824-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-7822-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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