Outpatient treatment of migraine headache, can we use a dexamethasone containing regimen?

This research is aimed at determining the efficacy of intravenous dexamethasone and metoclopramide for treatment of acute migraine. Dexamethasone is a well-known drug for treatment of long lasting and recurrent migraine headaches. Metoclopramide is also used singularly or as an adjunct to treat the migraine attacks. In a simple randomized study, patients with acute migraine were administered either intravenous dexamethasone and metoclopramide or intramuscular dihydroergotamine. Headache and concurrent symptoms were rated at baseline and 1, 2, 4 and 24 hours post-injection.. Analysis of headache severities indicated significant alleviation in both groups with time (p < 0.001). Side effects and concurrent symptoms did not show any significant difference between the two studied groups. In emergency department, intravenous dexamethasone and metoclopramide may be considered as an effective and available treatment with few side effects especially for patients with long-lasing and intractable migraine attacks; however, it must be used limitedly.