Effectiveness of Carotid Sinus Massage in Modified Trendelenburg Position for Rapid and Lasting Relief of Acute Headache Episodes: A Pilot Study
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Introduction
Headaches significantly impair quality of life, and primary headaches are among the most common neurological complaints. Stimulating carotid baroreceptors via carotid sinus massage (CSM) combined with modified Trendelenburg positioning may modulate autonomic activity and alleviate acute headache symptoms. Thus, this study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of this combined approach (CSM+T).
Methods
Seventeen patients (14 females; ages 16–64) with tension-type headaches (6), chronic migraines (10), or mixed-headaches (1) and various comorbidities received up to three 15-second CSM+T applications at one-minute intervals. Pain was assessed using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS), while heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) were recorded before and after the intervention. A 24-hour follow-up evaluated headache recurrence and adverse effects.
Results
Sixteen patients experienced significant pain reduction (median decrease: 9 VAS points; p < 0.0001) without complications. Pain relief persisted 24 hours without the need for additional medication or adverse effects. HR, BP, and SpO 2 decreased following CSM+T. A negative correlation was observed between HR reduction and pain relief. Among responders, migraine patients had a smaller mean HR decrease than tension-type headache patients, yet both groups achieved similar median pain relief. These results suggest that a more pronounced cardiovagal response does not necessarily confer greater analgesia, implying additional central or multifactorial mechanisms.
Conclusion
CSM+T appears to be a safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention for rapid headache relief in a heterogeneous patient population. Larger, controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings and refine clinical protocols.
