BMJ Best Practice Podcast Migraine, with Prof Tim Collins
Jan 23, 2019
In this engaging discussion, Prof Tim Collins, an Associate Professor of Neurology at Duke University Medical Center, shares his expertise on migraine treatment and diagnosis. He highlights the importance of understanding patient-reported symptoms for accurate diagnosis while navigating the challenges of differentiating migraines from other serious conditions. The talk also dives into innovative treatments like FDA-approved erinumab and explores natural remedies, such as riboflavin and melatonin, addressing both their potential benefits and the need for careful evaluation.
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Migraine Explained
- Migraine is a poorly understood process causing throbbing head pain, often with nausea, light/sound sensitivity, and visual changes.
- It involves abnormal nerve cell discharges in the brainstem, increasing pain sensitivity and altering pain perception.
Migraine Diagnosis
- Diagnose migraine by thoroughly discussing patient symptoms, including pain characteristics and associated issues.
- Look for red flags (e.g., weakness, loss of consciousness) that suggest a more serious condition.
Diagnostic Pitfalls
- Avoid pitfalls in migraine diagnosis by taking enough time to discuss patient experiences and asking specific questions about symptoms.
- Inquire about red flags such as loss of consciousness, weakness, or paralysis during headaches.