| abstract |
Methods, kits, apparatus, and compositions for inhibiting a cerebral neurovascular disorder, a muscular headache, or cerebral inflammation in a human patient are provided. The methods comprise intranasally administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a local anesthetic, and preferably a long-acting local anesthetic ingredient. A composition useful for practicing the methods of the invention is described which comprises at least one local anesthetic in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the composition is formulated for intranasal delivery. Cerebral neurovascular disorders include migraine and cluster headache. Muscular headaches include tension headaches and muscle contraction headaches. A kit comprising the composition and an intranasal applicator and a method of systemically delivering a pharmaceutically active agent to an animal are also included in the invention. Apparatus for directed intranasal administration of the compositions of the invention and for performing the methods of the invention are also described. |