Resolution of classic migraine after removal of an occipital lobe AVM.

A patient had a thirteen-year history of symptoms clinically indistinguishable from classic migraine: a slowly progressive visual fortification spectrum lasting 40 minutes, followed by a five- to six-hour throbbing unilateral headache with nausea and vomiting. After unsuccessful migraine therapy, investigation revealed a large occipital lobe arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Surgical removal of the AVM resulted in immediate and total resolution of all symptoms.