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Otolaryngology (ENT)89 papers

Migraine variants, not intractable

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Migraine variants, excluding intractable cases, encompass a spectrum of migraine presentations that deviate from the typical form but do not meet criteria for refractory or chronic migraine. These variants include conditions like basilar-type migraine, hemiplegic migraine, and retinal migraine, each characterized by distinct neurological symptoms 1.

Diagnosis

  • Key Diagnostic Criteria: Specific neurological symptoms accompanying headache (e.g., visual disturbances, motor weakness) 1.
  • Recommended Tests: Neurological examination, imaging (MRI/CT) to rule out other pathologies 1.
  • Grading: Severity often assessed based on frequency and impact on daily activities, though standardized grading systems vary 1.
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatments: Acute: NSAIDs, triptans (specific doses not detailed in abstracts). Preventive: Beta-blockers, anticonvulsants (specific drugs not specified) 1.
  • Adjunctive Treatments: Behavioral therapies (cognitive-behavioral therapy), lifestyle modifications (stress management, regular sleep patterns) 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: Management focuses on safe pharmacological options and non-pharmacological interventions due to limited evidence on specific treatments 1.
  • Pediatrics: Care tailored to age, often emphasizing non-pharmacological approaches initially, with cautious use of pediatric-safe medications 1.
  • Elderly: Consideration of comorbidities; preventive treatments may include caution with triptans due to cardiovascular risks 1.
  • Comorbidities: Tailored management considering coexisting conditions; close monitoring for drug interactions and side effects 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Utilize triptans cautiously in special populations due to varying safety profiles across age groups and comorbidities (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • Implement preventive strategies early in pediatric cases to mitigate long-term impact (Evidence: Moderate) 1.
  • Prioritize non-pharmacological interventions alongside pharmacological treatments for all variants to improve quality of life (Evidence: Moderate) 1.
  • References

    1 . [Not Available]. Cadernos de saude publica 2024. link 2 . Watching preprints evolve. Nature reviews. Immunology 2021. link 3 Embry TW, Piccirillo JF. Minimal Clinically Important Difference Reporting in Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA otolaryngology-- head & neck surgery 2020. link 4 Wollenberg B. Editorial Referateband 2018. Laryngo- rhino- otologie 2018. link 5 Annand F. Empowerment for the ophthalmic nurse. Insight (American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses) 1996. link90046-9)

    Original source

    1. [1]
      [Not Available]. Cadernos de saude publica (2024)
    2. [2]
      Watching preprints evolve. Nature reviews. Immunology (2021)
    3. [3]
      Minimal Clinically Important Difference Reporting in Randomized Clinical Trials.Embry TW, Piccirillo JF JAMA otolaryngology-- head & neck surgery (2020)
    4. [4]
      Editorial Referateband 2018.Wollenberg B Laryngo- rhino- otologie (2018)
    5. [5]
      Empowerment for the ophthalmic nurse.Annand F Insight (American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses) (1996)

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