BACKGROUND: Hypnic headache is a rare disorder characterized by frequent nocturnal attacks of a generalized headache in the elderly. METHOD: This is the first report identifying 2 Chinese hypnic headache cases according to its diagnostic criteria. Both of the patients received sodium ferulate (100 or 50 mg, 3 times/d) for 2 or 3 months. RESULTS: The results of polysomnography in our cases indicated the onset of headache attacks in non-rapid eye movement sleep stage 2. Their symptoms were completely relieved for 1 year after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that sodium ferulate could be a potential treatment for hypnic headache.
BACKGROUND:Hypnic headache is a rare disorder characterized by frequent nocturnal attacks of a generalized headache in the elderly. METHOD: This is the first report identifying 2 Chinese hypnic headache cases according to its diagnostic criteria. Both of the patients received sodium ferulate (100 or 50 mg, 3 times/d) for 2 or 3 months. RESULTS: The results of polysomnography in our cases indicated the onset of headache attacks in non-rapid eye movement sleep stage 2. Their symptoms were completely relieved for 1 year after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that sodium ferulate could be a potential treatment for hypnic headache.