title: Diagnosis and treatment of migraine.
abstract: Despite recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of migraine, considerable uncertainty remains surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. This uncertainty is reflected in studies that show both underdiagnosis and undertreatment of migraine. While the diagnosis can be assisted by criteria from the International Headache Society, other approaches may be useful in clinical practice. Treatment of migraine must be based on an individualized patient strategy that integrates education, patient participation, and effective use of pharmacological interventions. Many patients, despite self-treatment with simple analgesics, continue to suffer considerable disability associated with their migraines. Triptans, which are more effective at relieving migraine symptoms and maintaining patient function than are nonspecific therapies, are used in only a minority of patients with migraine. Treatment goals of rapid, complete relief with no recurrence and minimal adverse effects can be achieved when effective therapy is matched to individual patient goals. For prophylaxis, anticonvulsant drugs emerging as effective options are being added to the armamentarium with traditional compounds such as tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers.
authors.affiliation: Headache Care Center, Primary Care Network, Springfield, MO 65804, USA. rcady@primarycarenet.org
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cady
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Dodick
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000465:Algorithms; D003663:Decision Trees; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D010808:Physical Examination; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists