Which statement best describes the diagnostic criteria for migraine without aura?

Which statement best describes the diagnostic criteria for migraine without aura?

• A. At least 5 attacks; HA attacks lasting 4-72 hours; Headache has at least two of the following: unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate or severe intensity, aggravation by or avoidance of routine physical activity; During headache at least one of the following: 1. n/v or both 2. photophobia and phonophobia 3. not attributed to another disorder
• B. At least 2 attacks; HA lasting 1-24 hours with unilateral, pulsating features and photophobia
• C. At least 4 attacks; HA lasting 24-48 hours with throbbing pain and mild intensity
• D. At least 6 attacks; HA lasting 2-3 days with bilateral involvement and no aggravation by activity

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is how migraine without aura is diagnosed using standardized criteria. This requires at least five attacks with headache lasting 4–72 hours if untreated, plus at least two of the following: unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate or severe intensity, and aggravation by or avoidance of routine physical activity. In addition, during the headache at least one of these must be present: nausea and/or vomiting, or photophobia and phonophobia. Finally, the symptoms must not be better explained by another disorder. The statement described fits all of these elements exactly: the minimum five attacks, the 4–72 hour duration, the characteristic features, the associated symptoms, and exclusion of other disorders. The other options fail because they describe incorrect numbers of attacks, different durations, or missing or incorrect accompanying features, which do not align with the migraine without aura criteria.

The concept being tested is how migraine without aura is diagnosed using standardized criteria. This requires at least five attacks with headache lasting 4–72 hours if untreated, plus at least two of the following: unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate or severe intensity, and aggravation by or avoidance of routine physical activity. In addition, during the headache at least one of these must be present: nausea and/or vomiting, or photophobia and phonophobia. Finally, the symptoms must not be better explained by another disorder. The statement described fits all of these elements exactly: the minimum five attacks, the 4–72 hour duration, the characteristic features, the associated symptoms, and exclusion of other disorders. The other options fail because they describe incorrect numbers of attacks, different durations, or missing or incorrect accompanying features, which do not align with the migraine without aura criteria.