Der Schmerz
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AH 25086 B is a selective agonist of the newly determined 5-HT(1) receptors, which are sited mainly in the intracranial section of the carotid artery. According to experimental studies, the effect of AH 25086 B is decidedly more highly selective than that of ergotamine; the blood flow through the arteriovenous anastomoses of the internal carotid artery is clearly reduced, while the blood flow through the capillaries supplying the brain is increased. With AH 25086 B administered in an infusion rapid abolition of migraine attacks already in progress proved possible. ⋯ On average it took 31 min (range 10-60 min) for the headache to be relieved, regardless of the duration of migraine symptoms before the start of treatment. This was not a controlled study, but the results (14 very good, 6 good or satisfactory, in 21 attacks treated) were better than could have been expected by chance. Tolerance of the preparation was good, all side-effects being transitory and mild; with dosages up to 1.6 mug kg(-1) min(-1) no changes were seen in heart rate or blood pressure.
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As a result of changing public attitudes non-orthodox methods of pain therapy have become widely accepted within everyday health care. The view that non-orthodox methods, even if not overly successful are at least harmless is widely held. ⋯ Patients should be questioned about the use of alternative methods of treatment and physicians should be aware of unwanted effects of acupuncture, cell therapy, Ajurvedic medicines and herbal therapies. In addition, they should know that some drugs sold as herbal products with "no side-effects" are enriched with e.g. phenylbutazone and/or corticoids, for example.