Temporal characteristics of migraine-type headache

Migraine is characterized by headache attacks, and symptoms belong to various organ systems. Temporal characteristics of headache must be known to prescribe the appropriate drug for the treatment of migraine attacks. In this study, we aimed to reveal the temporal characteristics of headache and to search whether or not these characteristics differ in patient subgroups in migraineurs admitted to a tertiary health center. Consecutive adult migraineurs who admitted to the Headache Section of Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine Research Hospital involved the study. Their demographical data, medical history and temporal characteristics of headaches were questioned. Thirty (19.6%) patients among the 153 migraineurs involved had chronic daily headache. Headaches were detected to reach the maximum pain intensity within 2 hours in 34 patients (22.2%) and to continue over 24 hours in 87 (56.9%) patients. Patients with headaches lasting over 24 hours had a greater mean age than of those with headaches ending within 24 hours (40.8+/-12.4 and 36.2+/-11.4, respectively; p=0.019). The mean disease age of the patients with headaches lasting over 24 hours was also greater than of the group with headaches ending within 24 hours. Our study revealed that temporal characteristics of headache may differ in patient subgroups in adult migraineurs. Further studies with large populations are warranted to verify these results and determine which temporal characteristics are common in which patient subgroups.