Status Migrainous - The Basics
by Teri Robert, MyMigraineConnection Lead Expert
Extended
Migraines should not be ignored...
What is status
Migrainous (also spelled Migrainousus)?
Migraine has now been shown to be a genetic neurological disease characterized by flare-ups often called "Migraine attacks." A headache can be one symptom of a Migraine attack, but it's just that -- one of the possible symptoms. Some Migraineurs (people with Migraine disease) have Migraine attacks without having a headache.
Migraine has now been shown to be a genetic neurological disease characterized by flare-ups often called "Migraine attacks." A headache can be one symptom of a Migraine attack, but it's just that -- one of the possible symptoms. Some Migraineurs (people with Migraine disease) have Migraine attacks without having a headache.
When a Migrainuer does
experience the headache phase of a Migraine attack, it generally lasts from 4
to 72 hours (untreated or unsuccessfully treated). The International Headache
Society's International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition,
defines status Migrainous as:
Description: A debilitating Migraine attack lasting for
more than 72 hours.
Diagnostic Criteria:
Diagnostic Criteria:
A. Typical of previous attacks except for
duration.
B. Headache has both of the following features:
1. unremitting for more than 72 hours
2. severe intensity
2. severe intensity
C. Not attributed to another disorder
A general rule of thumb
recommended by many Migraine specialists is:
If moderate to severe Migraine pain lasts more
than 72 hours, with less than a solid four-hour pain-free period, while awake,
it should be considered an emergency requiring an office call or a trip to the
emergency room.
Why is it important that
status Migrainous be treated?
The pain of a Migraine is from dilated blood vessels in the brain and the inflammation of tissue and nerves around those blood vessels. Extended dilation of the blood vessels puts us at increased risk of stroke. Thus, it's important to stop a Migraine attack, as opposed to simply masking the pain with pain medications, as soon as possible.
The pain of a Migraine is from dilated blood vessels in the brain and the inflammation of tissue and nerves around those blood vessels. Extended dilation of the blood vessels puts us at increased risk of stroke. Thus, it's important to stop a Migraine attack, as opposed to simply masking the pain with pain medications, as soon as possible.
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