Studying classic psychedelics for the management of headache disorders: Considerations for Veterans

Patients with headache disorders like migraine or cluster headache often have poor quality of life, and military members and Veterans are at high risk, especially due to head trauma. Available treatments may not work, have side effects, or be unaffordable. Psychedelics have been discussed as a treatment for over 50 years; patients report that LSD and psilocybin provide long-lasting relief for weeks or months after just a single or few doses. Formal studies are beginning, and first results for psilocybin in migraine and cluster headache are encouraging but small and not conclusive. Veterans have been active in the re-emergence of psychedelics but may not all be able or willing to participate in studies due to health conditions or military viewpoints.

Study at a glance

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Patients with headache disorders, such as migraine or cluster headache, often have poor quality of life and can be disabled by their condition. Military members and Veterans have a high risk of developing a headache disorder, particularly because they are also at risk for brain injury through head trauma. New headache treatments are needed, because the available treatments may not work, have too many side effects, or are not affordable. Psychedelics have been discussed as a treatment in headache disorders for more than 50 years. Patients report that drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (a synthetic psychedelic) and psilocybin (a compound found in so-called magic mushrooms) provide long-lasting relief from headaches for weeks or months after just a single or few doses. Formal studies investigating this unique ability are starting to take place. Findings from the first studies of psilocybin in migraine and cluster headache are encouraging, although these studies are small and not conclusive, and more research is needed. Veterans have been active in the recent re-emergence of psychedelics, although they may not all be able, or willing, to take part in studies because of underlying health conditions or viewpoints gained through military experience.