The diagnosis and treatment of migraine: a clinician's view.
The introduction of the International Headache Society (IHS) diagnostic criteria has made migraine a 'positive' diagnosis, not one of exclusion. Studies in Canada have shown that many sufferers do not consult their physician about their migraine, and that the use of over-the-counter and prescription analgesics is common. Treatment should comprise a physician-patient partnership based on a correct and accepted diagnosis, in which both participate in a programme of education about the condition, identification and reduction of migraine triggers, and appropriate use of non-pharmacological, prophylactic and acute pharmacological treatments. The pathogenesis of chronic daily headache is uncertain, but it is frequently associated with habitual overuse of simple analgesics and ergotamines.
Edmeads
J
J
Department of Neurology, University of Toronto, Ont., Canada.
D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012648:Self Care
D000700:Analgesics