Nitroglycerin for ergotism. Experimental studies in vitro and in migraine patients and treatment of an overt case.

Ergotamine was used to induce arterial contraction in vitro (measurement of isometric tension in segments from 3 human temporal arteries) and in vivo (peripheral systolic blood pressure measured by strain gauge plethysmography in 5 migrainous patients). In both these models of ergotism, the directly acting vasodilator nitroglycerine (NTG) effectively relieved the ergotamine-induced arterial contractions. A case of ergotism treated successfully with NTG infusion is reported.

Methodological aspects of prophylactic drug trials in migraine.

The purpose of this paper is to analyse methodological aspects of prophylactic drug trials in migraine. A study of ferrum quartz in 33 patients provided the necessary data base. Migraine definitions, relation between interval headache and migraine, and a number of other clinical problems are discussed.

Ergotamine abuse. Do patients benefit from withdrawal?

A follow-up study of 40 patients (migraine 39, cluster headache 1) previously treated for ergotamine abuse was conducted. Their statements regarding ergotamine intake were checked using butalbital (contained in the suppositories abused by 90% of the patients) as a tracer, and later by contact with the family doctor. Eleven patients abused ergotamine again during a median observation time of 21 months.

Arterial response to ergotamine tartrate in abusing and non-abusing migraine patients.

Ten former ergotamine abusers were given ergotamine tartrate 0.5 mg/70 kg intravenously. The arterial response was followed by measuring systolic blood pressures with strain gauge on arm, fingers, ankles and toes.

The effect of single dose ergotamine tartrate on peripheral arteries in migraine patients: methodological aspects and time effect curve.

Ergotamine tartrate (0.5 mg/70 kg) was given intravenously to 17 migraine patients. Arm, finger, ankle and big toe systolic blood pressures were measured with strain gauge technique for up to 4 hours and again after 22 hours.

A double blind study of metoclopramide in the treatment of migraine attacks.

One hundred and fifty patients with migraine attacks attending the Copenhagen acute migraine clinic were treated either with metoclopramide 10 mg i.m. metoclopramide 20 mg as suppository or placebo in a double blind trial.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) versus acetylsalicylic acid in migraine.

In an acute migraine clinic, patients were all treated with metoclopramide 10 mg i.m. and diazepam 5 mg p.