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.
High-Yield Pearl
Triptans are contraindicated in coronary disease & uncontrolled HTN (vasoconstriction).
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Sources
Reviewed September 2026- CGRP-targeting therapies are a first-line option for the prevention of migraine: An American Headache Society position statement update — American Headache Society, 2024
- StatPearls: Migraine Headache — StatPearls Publishing, 2026
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