Dihydroergotamine and metoclopramide in the treatment of organic headache

Headache. 1995 Nov-Dec;35(10):637-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1995.hed3510637.x.

Abstract

Dihydroergotamine and metoclopramide have been used in the treatment of benign headache for many years. The presumed mechanism of action of dihydroergotamine and metoclopramide is related to these drugs' affinity for serotonergic receptors. We present three cases of the use of dihydroergotamine and metoclopramide in patients with organic headache (two patients with viral meningitis and one patient with meningeal carcinomatosis). All three patients had excellent symptomatic relief. Our results demonstrate that dihydroergotamine and metoclopramide can be effective in treating organic headache and, therefore, symptomatic relief can not be assumed to signify benign disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma / complications
  • Carcinoma / secondary
  • Dihydroergotamine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Headache / drug therapy*
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / complications
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / secondary
  • Meningitis, Viral / complications
  • Metoclopramide / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Stomach Neoplasms

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Drug Combinations
  • Dihydroergotamine
  • Metoclopramide