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  • Updated 03.21.2024
  • Released 05.06.1994
  • Expires For CME 03.21.2027

Status migrainosus

Introduction

Overview

Status migrainosus is defined as an attack of severe migraine lasting more than 72 hours accompanied by debilitating symptoms and is not attributable to another disorder. For patients presenting with the first or worst prolonged headache, a thorough neurologic evaluation with collateral imaging or spinal fluid sampling is indicated to assess for secondary causes of pain. In a patient with diagnosis of migraine without a secondary attributable cause of prolonged headaches, focus should be on swift and effective treatment with the primary aim of aborting the migraine.

Historical note and terminology

The term “status migrainosus” was first used by Taverner in 1978 to describe “severe and prolonged, or frequently repeated migraine” (85).

The most recent diagnostic criteria for status migrainosus according to the 2018 third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders is (ICHD-3) is reviewed below (01):

Table 1. International Headache Society Diagnostic Criteria for Status Migrainosus

Description: A debilitating migraine attack lasting for more than 72 hours

Diagnostic criteria:

A. A headache attack fulfilling criteria B and C

B. Occurring in a patient with 1.1 Migraine without aura and/or 1.2 Migraine with aura, and typical of previous attacks except for its duration and severity

C. Both of the following characteristics:

1. Unremitting for more than 72 hours
2. Pain and/or associated symptoms are debilitating

D. Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

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