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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Chronic migraine
1Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA.
Abstract:
Chronic migraine is a disabling neurologic condition that affects 2% of the general population. Patients with chronic migraine have headaches on at least 15 days a month, with at least eight days a month on which their headaches and associated symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for migraine. Chronic migraine places an enormous burden on patients owing to frequent headaches; hypersensitivity to visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli; nausea; and vomiting. It also affects society through direct and indirect medical costs. Chronic migraine typically develops after a slow increase in headache frequency over months to years. Several factors are associated with an increased risk of transforming to chronic migraine. The diagnosis requires a carefully performed patient interview and neurologic examination, sometimes combined with additional diagnostic tests, to differentiate chronic migraine from secondary headache disorders and other primary chronic headaches of long duration. Treatment takes a multifaceted approach that may include risk factor modification, avoidance of migraine triggers, drug and non-drug based prophylaxis, and abortive migraine treatment, the frequency of which is limited to avoid drug overuse. This article provides an overview of current knowledge regarding chronic migraine, including epidemiology, risk factors for its development, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and guidelines. The future of chronic migraine treatment and research is also discussed.
Insights
Chronic migraine, affecting 2% of people, involves frequent debilitating headaches. Management requires a comprehensive approach including trigger avoidance and varied treatments to reduce patient burden.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic migraine is a disabling neurologic condition impacting 2% of the population.
- It is characterized by headaches on ≥15 days/month, with ≥8 meeting migraine criteria.
- This condition imposes a significant burden on patients and society due to frequent pain and associated symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of chronic migraine.
- To discuss epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
- To explore future research and treatment directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current knowledge on chronic migraine.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies.
- Discussion of risk factors and pathophysiology.
Main Results:
- Chronic migraine develops gradually and is associated with specific risk factors.
- Diagnosis involves patient history, neurological exam, and sometimes further tests.
- Treatment is multifaceted, including lifestyle changes, prophylaxis, and limited abortive therapy.
Conclusions:
- Chronic migraine requires a multifaceted management strategy.
- Understanding risk factors and pathophysiology is crucial for effective treatment.
- Continued research is essential for advancing chronic migraine care.
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