Diagnosis of Migraine

Medical History
A doctor will review the patient’s personal and family medical history to understand any predisposing factors.

Symptom Description
Detailed questioning about the symptoms, including their frequency, duration, intensity, and associated factors, is vital for a correct diagnosis.

Physical and Neurological Examination
This helps rule out other medical conditions that might be causing the headaches.

Headache Diary
Patients may be asked to keep a diary of their headaches, noting potential triggers, the nature of the pain, timing, and accompanying symptoms.

Additional Testing
In some cases, imaging studies like MRI or CT scans might be conducted to rule out other underlying medical conditions.

Migraine-Specific Criteria
Doctors may use specific diagnostic criteria, such as the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), to classify and diagnose the type of migraine.

The diagnosis of migraine in adults is often based on a combination of the clinical history, symptoms, physical examination, and sometimes additional testing. Understanding the precise nature of the migraine helps in tailoring the appropriate treatment and management plan for the individual, aiming for better control and reduction of migraine episodes.