Chronic migraine

D Valade1

  • 1Emergency Headache Centre, Lariboisière Hospital, 2, rue Ambroise-Paré, 75010 Paris, France. dominique.valade@lrb.aphp.fr

Revue Neurologique
|April 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Chronic migraine (CM) affects 2% of the global population, characterized by 15+ headache days monthly. Treatment involves education, lifestyle changes, and therapies to manage this disabling condition.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Headache Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic migraine (CM) is defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-2R) as 15 or more headache days per month.
  • Approximately 2% of the global population experiences chronic migraine, a condition distinct from episodic migraine (EM) by headache frequency and disability.
  • Medication overuse is a common comorbidity in chronic migraine patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the definition, prevalence, and treatment approaches for chronic migraine.
  • To highlight the key differences between chronic and episodic migraine.
  • To emphasize the multifactorial nature of chronic migraine management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition, revised (ICHD-2R) criteria for chronic migraine.
  • Analysis of global prevalence data for chronic migraine.
  • Overview of established and emerging treatment strategies for chronic migraine.

Main Results:

  • Chronic migraine is diagnosed with at least 15 headache days per month, with 8 meeting migraine criteria or responding to specific treatment.
  • The condition impacts approximately 2% of the world's population.
  • Effective management requires a comprehensive approach including education, lifestyle adjustments, trigger identification, and behavioral/pharmacologic therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic migraine is a significant global health issue requiring careful diagnosis and management.
  • Distinguishing CM from EM is crucial for appropriate treatment planning.
  • Integrated treatment strategies are essential for improving outcomes in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse.

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