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Dihydroergotamine (DHE) Protocol services offered in South Miami, FL
The dihydroergotamine (DHE) protocol is an effective form of acute treatment for headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines. Triple-board-certified neurologist Awss Zidan, MD, provides DHE treatment in multiple formats through his practice at Miami Headache & Pain Clinic. Call today to schedule your appointment at our South Miami, Florida, location or book online.
What is dihydroergotamine?
The migraine-specific acute medication DHE works to relieve headaches that have already begun.
If you’re living with chronic migraines, the DHE protocol helps you relieve attacks once your symptoms begin to occur. DHE can be used as an acute treatment for cluster headaches, as well.
The medication is most effective if taken as soon as a migraine attack begins. In some cases, DHE can also help reduce symptoms if used later in an attack. DHE often works well for patients who wake up with an attack or who experience prolonged migraines.
What forms of DHE are available?
This medication is available in multiple forms and delivery methods, making it convenient to use. You can still take DHE even if you struggle to swallow pills. In fact, DHE is not commonly administered orally, as it absorbs relatively poorly via your digestive system.
DHE nasal spray
Often, patients self-administer DHE in the form of a fast-acting nasal spray. The effectiveness of this form of DHE depends on the speed with which your body absorbs medication with this delivery system. If you struggle with symptoms of vomiting and nausea during migraine attacks, this may be a good acute treatment delivery option for you.
DHE injections
With injection delivery, nearly 100% of the treatment immediately makes it to your bloodstream right away. Injections can be given in a muscle or under the skin. A provider may administer your injection. Or, if you plan on relying on this treatment for acute headache response, you may want to learn to self-administer your DHE injection.
Intravenous (IV) DHE infusion
This is the most rapid and effective way to receive DHE treatment. A medical professional must administer your infusion.
Dr. Zidan helps you determine which form of the DHE protocol works best for your treatment needs.
What are the benefits of dihydroergotamine?
This medication is fast-acting and effective. In contrast with other forms of headache abortion treatment, DHE has a lower risk of provoking a medication overuse headache. Some patients switch to treatment with a DHE protocol after triptans stop doing enough to address symptoms. DHE is also a good option if triptans do not work for you.
For support with an acute treatment plan for your migraines, contact Dr. Zidan. You can schedule your appointment at Miami Headache & Pain Clinic online or over the phone today.