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Cluster headache treatment — RCTs versus real-world evidence

Recently published American Headache Society evidence-based guidelines for cluster headache management provide updated guidance on which therapies are superior to placebo in randomized controlled trials. These valuable recommendations do not always translate to real-world settings, however, and other criteria should be taken into account when attempting to treat cluster headache.

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Figure 1: Graphical synthesis of cluster headache management options.

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Correspondence to Paolo Martelletti.

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The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in conflict with the subject matter discussed in the manuscript. In the past 3 years, P.M. has received research grants and educational funds from Allergan, Pfizer and ACRAF, paid directly to Sapienza University. P.M. has also received personal honoraria for advisory boards, travel and lectures from Allergan, Mylan, Teva and Bayer. M.C. declares no competing interests.

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Martelletti, P., Curto, M. Cluster headache treatment — RCTs versus real-world evidence. Nat Rev Neurol 12, 557–558 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2016.134

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