Status Migrainosus is a continuous debilitating migraine attack that lasts 72 hours or longer. It is an episode that is not responsive to your usual abortive medications and can cause loss of sleep and severe dehydration due to nausea and vomiting. Your provider will check for “red flag” symptoms such as vision changes, numbness, weakness, and changes in speech to rule out a more serious condition, such as a stroke. You may then be offered a combination of abortive treatments which can include the following, typically through IV or injections:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Triptans or dihydroergotamine
IV Fluids
Anti-nausea medications
Magnesium
Steroids
Nerve block
If you have a migraine episode that persists, please call for an evaluation and abortive treatment at the Manhattan Center for Headache and Neurology.
–Alice Wong, NP