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The Face of Chronic Migraine Which Has Started to be Clarified
Zeynep Aydin Özemir1, Betül Baykan2
1Ataşehir Memorial Hospital, Division of Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Recently, information about migraine which is generally characterized with attacks has gradually increased. In some patients with migraine, progression may be observed such that the frequency and time of the attacks are increased and an attack lasts for days. This condition is called chronic migraine (CM). According to the last classification, chronic migraine is defined as headache which occurs 15 days a month or more frequently at least 8 of which show the characteristic properties of migraine or response to migraine-specific treatment. The diagnostic cirteria of chronic migraine, its differences from other chronic daily headaches and the question if it is a migraine form with a high frequency which transforms from episodic migraine or a completely different pathophysiological picture are still contradictory. Clarifying these issues is possible with clinical studies as well as increasing the studies directed to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms.
Insights
Chronic migraine (CM) involves frequent, debilitating headaches. Further research is needed to understand its distinct pathophysiological mechanisms and diagnostic criteria compared to other chronic daily headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Migraine attacks are increasing in frequency and duration for some patients, leading to chronic migraine (CM).
- Chronic migraine is defined as headache occurring ≥15 days/month, with ≥8 days exhibiting migraine features or treatment response.
- The exact diagnostic criteria, differentiation from other chronic daily headaches, and underlying pathophysiology of CM remain debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the diagnostic criteria for chronic migraine.
- To differentiate chronic migraine from other chronic daily headaches.
- To investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying chronic migraine.
Main Methods:
- Review of current diagnostic criteria for chronic migraine.
- Comparison of chronic migraine with other chronic daily headache disorders.
- Analysis of existing literature on the pathophysiology of chronic migraine.
Main Results:
- The definition of chronic migraine involves frequent headache days with specific migraine characteristics.
- Distinguishing CM from other chronic daily headaches requires careful clinical assessment.
- The pathophysiological basis of CM, whether transformed episodic migraine or a distinct entity, requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Further clinical and pathophysiological studies are essential to clarify the nature of chronic migraine.
- A better understanding of CM mechanisms will aid in diagnosis and treatment.
- Resolving diagnostic ambiguities is crucial for effective management of chronic migraine.