Oxygen treatment is effective in migraine with autonomic symptoms

Abstract

Introduction: While inhalation of high-flow 100% oxygen is highly effective in cluster headache, studies on its efficacy in migraine are sparse and controversial.

Case: We report the case of a 22-year-old patient with an eight-year history of strictly unilateral migraine without aura but cranial autonomic symptoms. She repeatedly responded completely to inhalation of high-flow pure oxygen within 15 min but suffered from recurrence of attacks within 30 min after discontinuation.

Discussion: In line with experimental animal studies, this case suggests a clinically relevant efficacy of inhaled oxygen in patients with migraine with accompanying cranial autonomic symptoms.