Definition and clinical manifestations of Migraine

(Lancet 2018;391:1315 & Continuum 2021;27:586) POUNDing Mnemonic

Epidemiology:

affects 15% of women and 6% of men; onset usually by 30 y

Migraine without aura (most common):

≥5 attacks lasting 4–72 h with both

  • (a) N/V or photophobia & phonophobia,
  • (b) ≥2 of following:
    • unilateral
    • pulsating,
    • mod–severe intensity, or aggravated by routine activity

Migraine w/ aura: Migraine with aura

≥2 attacks w/:

  • (a) aura defined as ≥1 fully reversible sx: visual Δs (flickering spots, visual loss), sensory sx (paresthesias, numbness), speech disturbance
  • (b) unilateral progression of sx over ≥5 but ≤60 min
  • (c) HA w/in 60 min of aura

Aura may occur w/o HA (“acephalgic migraine”),

must r/o TIA/stroke (typically rapid onset)

If motor weakness, consider

sporadic or familial hemiplegic migraine: aura of reversible motor weakness (up to 24 h), a/w CACNA1A, ATP1A2, or SCN1A mutations

Precipitants of Migraine: