secale/headache

The ergotamine tartrate used for the migraine headache therapy can induce to a condition of chronic intoxication (ergotism) similar to what occurs after the ingestion of Claviceps purpurea contaminated rye. The case of an Italian woman affected by chronic migraine rectally treated with ergotamine

The authors have presented a review of the main controlled studies on drug treatment for the management of migraine attacks: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rye ergot derivatives, and the recently commercialized triptan group of drugs. An overview is provided of their specific

Vasospasm related to ergot intoxication has been recognised since the Middle Ages when it occurred due to ingestion of rye contaminated with Claviceps purpurea. Today ergotism is a rare cause of peripheral ischaemia, most often associated with ergotamine tartrate therapy for migraine headaches.

Clinical ergotism as seen today results almost exclusively from the excessive intake of ergotamine tartrate in the treatment of migraine headache. Although both gangrenous and convulsive symptoms are seen in naturally occurring ergotism resulting from the ingestion of fungus infected rye, only