Diagnosis of the Pathogenesis of Migraine Disease and Modern Clinical Diagnostic Methods

Abstract

A type of migraine headache. Typically, the attack lasts from 4 to 72 hours and symptoms can be severe. The pain is often unilateral, throbbing, aggravated by physical activity, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, sound, and odors. In 25% of patients, precursors of epileptic seizures often develop before, but sometimes after, the headache attack. The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical data. Treatment includes triptans, dihydroergotamine, antiemetics, and analgesics. Prevention includes lifestyle changes (e.g., sleep or diet) and medications (e.g., beta-blockers, amitriptyline, topiramate, divalproex, monoclonal antibodies).