The mechanism by which headache is produced in the migrainous patient is not entirely understood but it almost certainly is a vascular phenomenon dependent upon alterations in caliber of the cerebral, dural, or scalp vessels. Those drugs which most commonly relieve the pain are sympathicomimetic and vasoconstrictor in their action. Of these the one which has best stood the test of time is ergotamine tartrate (Gynergen, Sandoz), but there are certain disadvantages to the use of this material. Aside from dangers of ergotism from prolonged administration, there are frequently unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, paresthesias in the hands, and