The prognosis of migraine.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: The prognosis of migraine is poorly studied and research in this regard is in its infancy. Migraine is a chronic disorder with episodic attacks with a highly variable long-term prognosis. In many, migraine may have a very benign (complete remission) or relatively benign (partial remission) prognosis. In some, migraine persists and in others, it progresses.

RECENT FINDINGS: A recent population study showed that, over a 1-year period, 84% of the patients with migraine persisted with this diagnosis (migraine persistence); around 10% had 1-year complete clinical remission, and 3% had partial remission; the other 3% developed chronic migraine. Long-term studies support the concept that remission increases with age and also that risk factors for progression have been identified (e.g. medication overuse, obesity, etc.).

SUMMARY: Identifying predictors of migraine prognosis is, therefore, of great scientific and clinical interest. Herein we review the prognosis of migraine and risk factors for the above-mentioned nonexclusive possibilities.