Migraine represents a state of hypersensitivity of the brain, wherein normal stimuli such as pain, sound and light become intolerable.
Migraine is diagnosed according to the diagnostic criteria developed by the International Headache Society. These criteria are outlined in the International Classification of Headache Disorders. There are over 200 different varieties of headache. Migraine is a headache that lasts between 4 hours and three days. To be classified as having migraine, the patient must fulfill two of four criteria:
- The headache is one-sided
- The headache feels like a pulsating or throbbing pain
- The pain is moderate-to-severe in intensity
- The pain is aggravated or worsened by routine physical activity such as climbing stairs or walking around.
Additionally, a person must also fulfill at least one of two more criteria:
- The patient must have a feeling of nausea that accompanies the migraine attack. It is important to note that the nausea may or may not result in vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light and sound.
If an individual fulfills the above criteria, the examination is otherwise normal and there are no alarming signs to the examining physician, then the diagnosis of migraine is confirmed.
Unfortunately, there is no biomarker, such as a lab test or scan, to establish a diagnosis of migraine. When such examinations are conducted, it is for the purpose of excluding other potential causes.
