On Doctoring MEDLINE searches, with reference librarian comments, March 2000

The question was

What is the molecular basis of treating migraine headaches with Verapamil, a drug commonly used for hypertension?

1     *Verapamil/tu [Therapeutic Use]    results=474   
2     Migraine/dt [Drug Therapy]    results= 1197   

Reference Librarian comments

I'm gratified to see your use of appropriate subheadings, but without a "set #3" this Medline search isn't really complete. The next step is easy -- it just involves combining ("ANDing") the two sets. Then you'd have the two concepts together in published papers.

Perhaps the computer crashed or there was some confusion. Meanwhile, there is not a lot written on this subject. My advice would be to keep it broad by "exploding" the subject heading, and also by NOT selecting any subheadings. I say this only because I know there's not a big literature on the subject.

Here: I'll prove it:

1 exp verapamil/ 4658

2 exp migraine/ 3372

3 1 and 2 17

If you really needed more information on (specifically) the molecular rationale -- I think I'd call for some helpful services of your favorite medical reference librarian on this question. We have access to some exotic and pricey pharmacology and biochemistry databases that you wouldn't normally be able to get to. Medline is fine, but there's always more...