Intranasal lidocaine for headache

Lidocaine is an anesthetic medication that is most often used to numb an area of the body before a minor surgical procedure. A 4% lidocaine aqueous solution is sometimes used as a nasal spray to stop a headache.

About half of people with migraine headaches treated with intranasal lidocaine noticed a 50% reduction in their headache pain. However, most headaches returned shortly after treatment with lidocaine.

The medication is sprayed into the nostril on the same side as the headache. It can be repeated 2 minutes later, if needed. The only side effect is a burning sensation in the nose.

This medication is available only by prescription. In the emergency room, intranasal lidocaine is often tried first to treat a migraine headache.