Single case study basilar artery migraine presenting as conversion hysteria

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• A young woman experienced prolonged, undiagnosed headaches.
• Previous neurological consultations and an emergency room visit failed to establish a diagnosis.

Observation:

• The patient was initially misdiagnosed with conversion reaction despite presenting with symptoms suggestive of basilar migraine headache.
• Neurological examination during a headache episode revealed characteristic features of basilar migraine.

Findings:

• This case highlights diagnostic challenges in differentiating complex headache disorders.
• Accurate neurological assessment is crucial for identifying basilar migraine.

Implications:

• Emphasizes the importance of specialized neurological diagnostic skills, particularly in distinguishing migraine from psychiatric conditions.
• Advocates for an integrated approach to patient care, avoiding mind-body dichotomies.
• Successful migraine treatment led to significant patient improvement.