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Classification of Perimenstrual Headache: Clinical Relevance

  • Perimenstrual Headache (S Evers, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Although more than 50% of women with migraine report an association between migraine and menstruation, menstruation has generally considered to be no more than one of a variety of different migraine triggers. In 2004, the second edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders introduced specific diagnostic criteria for menstrual migraine. Results from research undertaken subsequently lend support to the clinical impression that menstrual migraine should be seen as a distinct clinical entity. This paper reviews the recent research and provides specific recommendations for consideration in future editions of the classification.

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Disclosure

Dr. Anne MacGregor has provided consultancy to Allergan, Amdipharm, Menarini, and Merck; has received research funding from Merck; has received payment for the development of educational presentations from Menarini; and has received travel expense compensation from Merck and Menarini.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Barts Sexual Health Centre, Kenton and Lucas Block, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, UK

    E. Anne MacGregor

  2. Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK

    E. Anne MacGregor

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  1. E. Anne MacGregor
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Correspondence to E. Anne MacGregor.

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MacGregor, E.A. Classification of Perimenstrual Headache: Clinical Relevance. Curr Pain Headache Rep 16, 452–460 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-012-0282-y

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