Migraine Headache: Essential Diagnostic Tests for Accurate Diagnosis

Migraine is a common type of primary headache disorder, typically characterized by recurrent, one-sided, moderate to severe pulsating pain. The exact causes and mechanisms behind migraines are not yet fully understood, and standard diagnostic tests often fail to identify a specific trigger. However, undergoing certain medical evaluations can help rule out other serious conditions and support an accurate diagnosis.

Recommended Medical Examinations for Migraine

If you suffer from migraine symptoms, it's advised to visit a hospital for comprehensive testing. This may include blood lipid tests, brain CT scans, cerebral vascular imaging, and electroencephalogram (EEG) evaluations. These assessments can help detect any underlying neurological or vascular abnormalities that may be contributing to your condition.

1. Electroencephalogram (EEG) Testing

An EEG can be particularly useful in migraine diagnosis. Research shows that migraine sufferers tend to have higher rates of abnormal brain wave patterns compared to the general population, regardless of whether they're experiencing an active migraine episode. Due to the variable nature of EEG readings in migraine patients, careful and repeated monitoring is often recommended for accurate assessment.

2. Cerebral Blood Flow Analysis

Brain blood flow studies can reveal important diagnostic information. During both active migraine episodes and symptom-free periods, patients often show asymmetrical cerebral blood flow patterns. This typically manifests as increased blood flow on one side of the head and decreased flow on the opposite side, potentially indicating vascular imbalances associated with migraine pathology.

3. Cerebrovascular Imaging Techniques

While routine cerebrovascular testing isn't typically required for standard migraine diagnosis, these evaluations become crucial when patients experience exceptionally severe headaches. Such intense pain could potentially signal subarachnoid hemorrhage or other serious vascular issues. Advanced imaging techniques including Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA), CT Angiography (CTA), and MR Angiography (MRA) can help identify rare but critical conditions like brain aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations.

4. Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis

Although most standard cerebrospinal fluid tests yield normal results in migraine patients, subtle changes may be observed. Notably, some patients show slightly elevated lymphocyte counts in their spinal fluid, which could indicate mild inflammatory responses associated with migraine pathology, though this finding is non-specific.

5. Platelet Function Assessment

Studies have shown that migraine sufferers often exhibit increased platelet aggregation tendencies compared to healthy individuals. This heightened platelet activity appears to correlate with migraine frequency and severity, suggesting potential thrombotic risk factors that should be carefully monitored, especially in patients with frequent or severe attacks.