Clinical experience with patient administered subcutaneous dihydroergotamine mesylate in refractory headaches.
This study examines the practicality and efficacy of dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE) when self-administered subcutaneously in a population of refractory headache patients. Forty-three patients with chronic daily headache or migraine headache without aura, who had been taught self-injection of DHE either through the Raskin Protocol or in an outpatient headache clinic, were contacted by telephone and administered a questionnaire regarding usage and results from DHE injection. Ninety-two percent of patients could successfully administer DHE. Forty-six percent of patients experienced 90% or greater relief of pain and the majority of patients (77%) had greater than 50% relief. Emergency room use was decreased in 83% and 80% preferred DHE to their previous therapy. While side effects were common (79%), only four patients (9%) stopped DHE for this reason. No convincing evidence for the development of rebound headaches due to DHE was found in this sample.
Colorado Neurology and Headache Center, Denver 80218.
J A
JA
Klapper
J
J
Stanton
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004087:Dihydroergotamine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D012008:Recurrence
D004087:Dihydroergotamine