Definition

A medication that helps prevent migraine headaches by blocking certain chemicals in the brain.

Example

The doctor prescribed methysergide to help manage her frequent migraines.

Conversation

Have you ever tried methysergide for your migraines?

No, I haven't. Does it actually work?

Yeah, it's been helpful for a lot of people I know.

I might ask my doctor about it then.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Methysergide is formed from "methylenedioxy" (a chemical group derived from "methanol" meaning a type of alcohol and "dioxin" meaning two oxygen atoms) and "ergot" (from the Latin "ergotum" meaning a fungus that grows on rye). The word refers to a compound related to ergot alkaloids, used in medicine, particularly for migraine treatment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'methanol' and 'dioxin' as parts of a chemical structure, combined with 'ergot' which refers to a specific fungus. This helps you remember that methysergide is a compound related to ergot used in medical treatments.

Visually Confused Words