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For educational use only. Content is AI-generated, may contain errors, and is not medical advice — always verify against current primary sources and faculty guidance before clinical use.

HomeNeurologyMigraine
🧠

Migraine

Neurology · ~7% of blueprint
🔬Pathophysiology
Neurovascular disorder with cortical spreading depression and trigeminovascular activation.
🩺Signs & Symptoms
Unilateral, pulsating, moderate–severe headache with photophobia/phonophobia and N/V; ± aura.
🎯Gold Standard Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis by ICHD-3 criteria (POUND features support it); neuroimaging only for red-flag features.
💊First-line Treatment
Acute: triptans + NSAIDs; prevention: beta-blockers, topiramate, or anti-CGRP agents.
Drug cardsSumatriptanIbuprofenMetoprololAmitriptylineValproic Acid
High-Yield Pearl

Triptans are contraindicated in coronary disease & uncontrolled HTN (vasoconstriction).

Sources

Reviewed September 2026
  1. CGRP-targeting therapies are a first-line option for the prevention of migraine: An American Headache Society position statement update — American Headache Society, 2024
  2. StatPearls: Migraine Headache — StatPearls Publishing, 2026

Checked against the guideline or standard reference the exam keys to. If it has moved, use Report an error below.

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