Defining refractory migraine and refractory chronic migraine: proposed criteria from the Refractory Headache Special Interest Section of the American Headache Society.
Certain migraines are labeled as refractory, but the entity lacks a well-accepted operational definition. This article summarizes the results of a survey sent to American Headache Society members to evaluate interest in a definition for RM and what were considered necessary criteria. Review of the literature, collaborative discussions and results of the survey contributed to the proposed definition for RM. We also comment on our considerations in formulating the criteria and any issues in making the criteria operational. For the proposed definition for RM and refractory chronic migraine, patients must meet the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Second Edition criteria for migraine or chronic migraine, respectively. Headaches need to cause significant interference with function or quality of life despite modification of triggers, lifestyle factors, and adequate trials of acute and preventive medicines with established efficacy. The definition requires that patients fail adequate trials of preventive medicines, alone or in combination, from at least 2 of 4 drug classes including: beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, tricyclics, and calcium channel blockers. Patients must also fail adequate trials of abortive medicines, including both a triptan and dihydroergotamine (DHE) intranasal or injectable formulation and either nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or combination analgesic, unless contraindicated. An adequate trial is defined as a period of time during which an appropriate dose of medication is administered, typically at least 2 months at optimal or maximum-tolerated dose, unless terminated early due to adverse effects. The definition also employs modifiers for the presence or absence of medication overuse, and with or without significant disability.
Schulman
Elliott A
EA
Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood, PA, USA.
Lake
Alvin E
AE
Goadsby
Peter J
PJ
Peterlin
B Lee
BL
Siegel
Sherry E
SE
Markley
Herbert G
HG
Lipton
Richard B
RB
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000145:classification* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012955:Societies, Medical; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014363:Tryptamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014481:United States
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D014363:Tryptamines