The role of methysergide in migraine and cluster headache treatment worldwide - A survey in members of the International Headache Society

Background

Methysergide has been as an effective treatment for migraine and cluster headache for over 50 years but has recently been investigated by the European Medicines Agency due to safety concerns.

Methods

To assess the need for continuing availability of methysergide, the International Headache Society performed an electronic survey among their members.

Results

The survey revealed that 71.3% of all respondents had ever prescribed methysergide and 79.8% would prescribe it if it were to become available. Respondents used it more in cluster headache than migraine, and reserved it for use in refractory patients.

Conclusion

The vast majority of headache experts in this survey regarded methysergide a unique treatment option for specific populations for which there are no alternatives, with an urgent need to continue its availability. This position was supported by the International Headache Society.

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