The treatment, introduced by Teshamae Monteith, MD, in September, involves a five- to seven-day inpatient hospital stay during which the patient is given an intravenous injection of dihydroergotamine. Dr. Monteith, who serves as director of the headache program at the University of Miami Institute for Advanced Pain Management, said she considers the DHE treatment underutilized in the U.S. because there are few headache centers in the country where patients can be seen on an inpatient basis.
“It [DHE] binds to multiple receptors in the brain that are involved in pain mechanisms,” she said. “Patients with chronic migraine have very efficiently learned pain so through the use of DHE, we modulate this circuit.”
Related Articles on Pain Management:
Hospira Recalls Opioid Cartridges
Study: Lower Back Treatment Most Effective in First Six Weeks
Global Pain Management Report Examines New Products, Market Trends
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 18–20 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
