"Menstrual" migraine: towards a definition.
"Menstrual" migraine, a term misused by both patients and doctors, lacks precise definition. This dissertation critically reviews papers on the subject and examines the problem from a clinical perspective. A definition is proposed that the term "menstrual" migraine should be restricted to attacks exclusively starting on or between day 1 +/- 2 days of the menstrual cycle; the woman should be free from attacks at all other times of the cycle. This definition, unlike many used previously, links to a specific mechanism; the timing is consistent with oestrogen withdrawal. If this is correct, "oestrogen withdrawal" migraine may be a better term. Future studies, necessary to support or refute these proposals, are suggested.
MacGregor
E A
EA
City of London Migraine Clinic and Department of Gynaecology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*
D004967:Estrogens