KETAMINE AS A THERAPEUTIC MODALITY FOR MIGRAINES AND TENSION HEADACHE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Migraine and tension headache are common neurological disorders that cause considerable morbidity and affect patients' quality of life. Although various therapeutic approaches have been used to treat these conditions, many patients continue to face debilitating symptoms and inadequate responses to conventional treatments. Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has emerged as a promising treatment option for migraine and tension headache due to its unique pain modulation and neuroplasticity properties. From the analysis of clinical and experimental studies, it is evident that ketamine has shown efficacy in reducing pain intensity, duration and frequency of migraine and tension headache attacks in a significant number of patients. In addition, ketamine has a positive impact on the depression associated with these conditions, contributing to an improvement in patients' psychological well-being. However, it is important to note that the safety and appropriate dosage of ketamine as a treatment for migraine and tension headache remain topics of discussion. The occurrence of side effects, such as dissociation and cognitive alterations, requires careful attention when administering ketamine. This integrative review aims to summarize and analyze the current literature on the use of ketamine in the treatment of migraine and tension headache.