Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
10:50
Osmotic Drug Delivery to Ischemic Hindlimbs and Perfusion of Vasculature with Microfil for Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging
Published on: June 29, 2013
Claudication: an unusual side effect of DHE administration
1Comprehensive Headache Center, Germantown Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Headache
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Dihydroergotamine (DHE) effectively treats migraines but can cause side effects. This study reports rare cases of limb pulselessness linked to DHE, highlighting a potential new adverse effect for migraine treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Dihydroergotamine (DHE) is a widely used medication for acute and chronic migraine treatment.
- As a dehydrogenated ergot alkaloid, DHE is known for limited vasoconstriction and peripheral vasodilation.
- Ergotamine, a related compound, has documented associations with vasospasm and claudication.
Observation:
- This paper details two cases of limb pulselessness in patients undergoing DHE treatment.
- The patients experienced these symptoms during relatively short treatment durations with DHE.
- Previous literature has not reported claudication or similar vascular events specifically linked to DHE.
Findings:
- The observed pulselessness in patients treated with DHE represents a previously undescribed adverse effect.
- Treatment involved the discontinuation of DHE and the administration of calcium channel blockers.
- Both patients achieved complete recovery after the intervention.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential for DHE to induce peripheral vascular complications, such as limb pulselessness.
- Clinicians should be aware of this rare but serious side effect when prescribing DHE for migraine management.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the mechanism and incidence of DHE-induced vascular events.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
Unlike...
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
The nursing management of a patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s health history and clinical manifestations.AssessmentHealth History: Evaluate the patient’s history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiovascular issues, and lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, smoking, and physical activity.Physical Examination:Assess the affected extremity for decreased or absent peripheral pulses, temperature changes,...
01:24Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...