Aviat Space Envir Md
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Jun 1998
Case ReportsAltitude-induced migraine headache secondary to pravastatin: case report.
A 46-yr-old airline captain with many exposures to altitude chamber, fighter, and airliner flight developed migraine-type headaches after exposure to cabin altitudes above 6,000 feet. He had no prior history of chronic headaches or migraine. Symptoms began within days of starting pravastatin for hypercholesterolemia, but had not occurred during 4 yr of treatment with lovastatin. ⋯ Although the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are reported to be associated with increased occurrence of headache, the mechanism is poorly understood. Migraine headaches may be triggered in previously asymptomatic individuals by unique combinations of trigger factors. However, there have been no prior reports of migraine headaches triggered by the combined exposure to pravastatin and reduced barometric pressure.