Atypical Migraine in Clinical Practice: Are We Missing It?

In countries like India, many migraine patients presenting to primary care clinics fail to fulfill standard (ICHD 3) migraine diagnostic criteria. Since they do not present with typical ICHD 3 migraine diagnostic symptoms, it is necessary to define the criteria for atypical migraine. This would ensure that the patients receive the right treatment approach, both non-pharmacological and pharmacological. Looking for triggers, family history, activity affected and absolute normality in between attacks, past episodes of episodic syndromes, prodromal and oculonasal autonomic symptoms will help in identifying the migraine origin of these headaches.