Migraine and systemic scleroderma

Scleroderma with typical migraine headaches occurred in 16 well-documented cases observed over a 25-year period. Although the number of cases is within the expected range of coincidence of both diseases, in 13 of the 16 patients the scleroderma developed after 15 years or more of therapy with ergot or methysergide preparations. Eleven of the 13 patients had Raynaud's vasospastic phenomenon as part of their systemic scleroderma. The vascular pathology of scleroderma, Raynaud's phenomenon, and ergotism is similar enough to suggest caution in the administration of these drugs to patients with migraine and extra caution in observing for signs of Raynaud's phenomenon or early vascular scleroderma.