An Inhaler – for Migraine?

We’ve talked about the connection between asthma and migraine before. But today we’re not talking about using an asthma inhaler for migraine – it’s actually something quite different.

A recent study published in the journal Cephalalgia investigated using an inhaler as a migraine abortive. But this kind does not use drugs.

This “rebreathing device” actually increases carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, while keeping oxygen levels fairly stable. This may sound strange, but a moderate raise in CO2 in the bloodstream actually can stop migraine attacks. The question is, could this be a valid form of treatment?

One of the study’s authors explains it this way:

We utilise CO2 and oxygen, which are the body’s natural molecules for mobilising its own defence against migraine attacks. The inhaler expands the blood vessels that supply the brain with oxygen by up to seventy per cent and thereby stops the destructive chain reaction. [Migraine can be treated without medicine, pilot study finds]

This initial study did not show spectacular results, but it does show promise as a possible new treatment (with no drugs). One interesting note – the treatment did somewhat decrease pain for 45% of patients the first time it was used. But during the second attack, 78% saw a marked improvement.

Again, this was a small, initial study. But with no noted side effects, it’s a treatment that is worth studying in more detail.

Incidentally, this is not a new idea. A study a few years ago also showed promise – see Snorting Carbon Dioxide May Relieve Migraines

More details on the study: Treatment of acute migraine by a partial rebreathing device: A randomized controlled pilot study