Status Migrainosus
Status migrainosus is an especially severe and long-lasting form of migraine attack.
Put simply, it is a migraine attack that doesn’t go away. Status migrainosus attacks affect less than 1 per cent of people with migraine. However, they’re intense and they stick around for longer than 72 hours. Treatment with traditional migraine medicines like triptans and even stronger pain killers like codeine often won’t cut through a status migraine attack. The pain and nausea can be severe enough to require a hospital visit for treatment.
Status migrainosus is a prolonged and debilitating migraine attack lasting more than 72 hours, despite treatment. And it is the duration of the headache phase that sets it apart from other types of migraine. This condition can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and difficulty functioning. In some cases, it requires hospitalization to manage symptoms and prevent complications such as electrolyte imbalances. Early intervention is key to avoiding escalation.
The symptoms of status migrainosus are often similar to a regular migraine attack:
- Throbbing head pain
- Light and/or sound sensitivity
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
The exact reasons why an individual migraine attack progresses to status migrainosus are not fully understood. However, a combination of triggers may play a role, including:
- Stress
- Skipping meals
- Lack of sleep
- Changes in medication
- Flare up of other health condition(s)
What makes status migrainosus particularly concerning is its potential to cause sleep loss and severe dehydration due to persistent nausea and vomiting. If the headache phase persists for more than 72 hours, it is critical to seek medical care.
Management of status migrainosus typically begins with prescribed migraine medications or a combination of treatments. If symptoms worsen or hydration becomes a challenge, visiting an urgent care center or emergency room may be necessary to address serious dehydration and relieve pain.
Identifying and addressing contributing factors is a key aspect of treatment. This may involve:
- Reviewing and adjusting medications
- Identifying lifestyle triggers, such as irregular sleeping or eating patterns, stress, or lack of exercise
- Implementing new therapies to help manage triggers
Though status migrainosus is often more challenging to treat than a regular migraine attack, there are options to help ease symptoms when a collaborative approach between the patient and their healthcare provider is utilized. Early intervention and comprehensive care can minimize its impact and help prevent future occurrences