Status Migraine: Understanding Prolonged Migraine Pain

More than 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches, according to the National Headache Foundation. For people with a rare condition called "status migrainosus," or status migraine, the pain and other debilitating symptoms can last several days, even with treatment.

Identification

• A status migraine continues for more than 72 hours, according to Dr. Robert Kaniecki, director of the Headache Center at the University of Pittsburgh. Prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications may give only temporary relief.

Features

• In addition to severe, long-term pain, status migraine sufferers may vomit or feel nauseated. They also may be sensitive to light, noise and odors and have trouble sleeping.

Prevention/Solution

• Steroid therapy can help status migraine sufferers, Doctors Glen Aukerman, Doug Knutson and William F. Miser of the Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health write in the December 2002 issue of "American Family Physician." The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) calls corticosteroids, including dexamethasone and hydrocortisone, "rescue therapy" for status migraine.

Causes

• Stress, hormone imbalances, changes in medication, flu or other illness, or head or neck problems are among the factors that can trigger a status migraine, according to Kaniecki.

Expert Insight

• Kaniecki advises status migraine patients to drink 60 to 80 ounces of water daily to counter dehydration from vomiting. Sufferers may also need sleep aids, since lack of sleep can prolong the attack.