Course of Migraine With Aura: A Follow-up Study

Background: Migraine has a prevalence of between 10-13% worldwide and one-third of the migraine patients complaint aura symptoms. However, the current understanding of the course of migraine with aura still remains uncertain. We aimed to determine the baseline and the time course characteristics of migraine with aura and to assess the evolution of headache frequency, duration and intensity. Methods: The data of 230 patients were obtained from an electronic headache database retrospectively as a part of the Turkish Headache Database Project, and a latent growth mixture model was used to assess the variables. The frequency (low, medium, and high), duration (short, long) and severity (mild, moderate, and severe) of headaches were analyzed with a three-group model, a two-group-model, and a second three-group model, respectively. The probabilities for each of the subgroups were estimated using the latent growth mixture models. Results: Unilaterality and dizziness were more likely to be observed in the moderate severity group than the mild severity group (odds ratio [OR]: 3.146, p = 0.007; OR: 2.637, p = 0.047) and vomiting was a rare symptom in the medium group (OR: 0.467, p = 0.017). Within six months follow-up assessments, there were significant recovery rates in terms of headache frequency, duration, and severity (68%, 65%, and 56%, respectively). Conclusion: Our preliminary results support the importance of using longitudinal studies to reveal the course of migraine. Our findings might guide clinicians to reveal treatment goals and to develop effective treatment strategies.