Migraine

Migraine (ICD-11: 8A80) - Complete Clinical Coding Guide 1. Introduction Migraine represents one of the most prevalent and disabling neurological disorders worldwide, affecting millions

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Migraine (ICD-11: 8A80) - Complete Clinical Coding Guide

1. Introduction

Migraine represents one of the most prevalent and disabling neurological disorders worldwide, affecting millions of people across all continents. Characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headache, migraine transcends simple "headache," constituting a complex neurological condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life, productivity, and emotional well-being.

As a primary headache disorder, migraine is distinguished by its specific characteristics: typical duration of 4 to 72 hours, pulsatile nature, frequently unilateral location, and associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. In approximately one-third of cases, attacks are preceded by aura—transient and reversible neurological phenomena involving visual, sensory, or language symptoms.

The impact on public health is substantial. Migraine ranks among the leading causes of disability in young and middle-aged adults, resulting in work absenteeism, reduced productivity, and significant costs to healthcare systems. Epidemiological studies indicate higher prevalence in women, especially during reproductive years, with frequent onset in adolescence or early adulthood.

Correct coding of migraine in the ICD-11 system is critical for multiple purposes: it enables precise epidemiological tracking, facilitates clinical research, guides resource allocation in public health, underpins decisions regarding treatment and reimbursement, and ensures appropriate continuity of care. Healthcare professionals must understand not only the diagnostic criteria but also the nuances of classification for appropriate clinical documentation.

2. Correct ICD-11 Code

Code: 8A80

Description: Migraine

Parent category: Headache disorders

Official definition: Primary headache disorder, in most cases episodic. Disabling attacks lasting 4-72 hours are characterized by moderate or severe headache, usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting and/or photophobia and phonophobia and sometimes preceded by a short-lived aura of visual, sensory or other central nervous system symptoms, unilateral and completely reversible. In a small minority of cases, the headache, but not necessarily the associated symptoms, becomes very frequent, with loss of episodicity.

Code 8A80 is situated within the hierarchical structure of ICD-11 as the main category for migraine, encompassing various specific subtypes. The classification recognizes both episodic and chronic forms, reflecting the clinical spectrum of this condition. The definition emphasizes key elements: specific duration, intensity, characteristic associated symptoms, and the disabling nature of attacks.

It is important to note that this code represents the general category of migraine, with subcategories available for more detailed specification when clinically relevant. The structure allows progressively more specific coding as diagnostic information becomes available, facilitating both simple records and detailed clinical documentation in specialized centers.

3. When to Use This Code

Code 8A80 should be applied in specific clinical situations where the diagnostic criteria for migraine are clearly present:

Scenario 1: Classic Episodic Migraine A 28-year-old patient presents with recurrent episodes of unilateral throbbing headache, moderate to severe intensity, lasting 8 to 24 hours. Attacks occur 3-4 times monthly, preceded by visual disturbances (scintillating scotomas) lasting 20-30 minutes. During attacks, the patient experiences intense nausea, occasional vomiting, marked photophobia and phonophobia, requiring rest in a dark and quiet environment. Neurological examination between episodes is normal.

Scenario 2: Migraine Without Aura with Menstrual Pattern A 35-year-old woman reports bilateral frontal and temporal throbbing headache, severe intensity, lasting 48-72 hours. Episodes occur predominantly during the perimenstrual period (2 days before to 3 days after menstruation), with a frequency of 2-3 episodes monthly. Associated with nausea, occasionally vomiting, light and noise intolerance. No aura symptoms are present. Simple analgesics provide partial relief.

Scenario 3: Migraine Transformed into Chronic A patient with a history of episodic migraine since adolescence, currently experiencing headache present 18-20 days per month. Of these, 8-10 days present typical migraine characteristics (unilateral, throbbing, nausea, photophobia), while other days present milder headache. Frequent analgesic use. Neurological evaluation and neuroimaging without structural alterations.

Scenario 4: First Presentation of Migraine with Aura A 22-year-old adult, previously healthy, presents for the first time with visual symptoms (tunnel vision, followed by scotomas) lasting 25 minutes, followed by right hemicranial throbbing headache, severe intensity, with nausea and photophobia, lasting 12 hours. Neurological examination during and after symptoms is normal. Neuroimaging rules out secondary causes.

Scenario 5: Migraine with Characteristic Prodromal Symptoms A patient reports that 24 hours before headache attacks, they experience premonitory symptoms: irritability, neck stiffness, frequent yawning, and cravings for specific foods. This is followed by left unilateral throbbing headache, lasting 36-48 hours, with nausea, vomiting, and need for isolation. Consistent pattern over years.

Scenario 6: Migraine Triggered by Identifiable Triggers A patient clearly identifies triggers for migraine attacks: sleep deprivation, prolonged fasting, exposure to strong odors, and stress. When exposed, the patient develops characteristic headache within hours: unilateral, throbbing, moderate to severe intensity, 12-24 hours duration, with photophobia, phonophobia, and nausea. Responds well to triptans when administered early.

4. When NOT to Use This Code

There are specific situations where code 8A80 should not be applied, requiring careful differentiation:

Identified Secondary Headache: When headache results from an identifiable underlying cause (head trauma, central nervous system infection, brain tumor, intracranial hypertension, temporal arteritis, arterial dissection), specific codes for secondary headache should be used. The presence of persistent neurological symptoms, alterations on neurological examination, or neuroimaging findings direct investigation toward secondary causes.

Headache Not Classified Elsewhere: For headaches that do not meet complete diagnostic criteria for migraine or when insufficient information prevents definitive classification, the appropriate code is for unspecified headache. Situations include: first presentation without follow-up, incomplete documentation of features, or atypical patterns that do not clearly fit established categories.

Tension-Type Headache: Although frequently confused with migraine, tension-type headache presents distinct characteristics: pressing or tightening quality (not pulsatile), mild to moderate intensity (not disabling), bilateral location, absence of significant nausea/vomiting, and minimal interference with activities. Photophobia or phonophobia may be present, but not both simultaneously.

Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias: Conditions such as cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, and SUNCT present distinct characteristics: briefer attacks (15-180 minutes for cluster headache), strictly unilateral orbital/supraorbital/temporal pain, prominent ipsilateral autonomic symptoms (lacrimation, nasal congestion, ptosis), and characteristic temporal pattern (circadian for cluster headache).

Other Primary Headaches: Conditions such as primary stabbing headache, primary cough headache, primary exertional headache, primary headache associated with sexual activity, hypnic headache, and new daily persistent headache have specific codes and distinctive characteristics that differentiate them from migraine.

5. Step-by-Step Coding Process

Step 1: Assess Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnosis of migraine is based primarily on established clinical criteria. The initial evaluation should document:

Headache history: Duration of attacks (4-72 hours when untreated), frequency of episodes, age of onset, temporal evolution of the pattern. Special attention to recent changes in the established pattern, which may signal secondary causes.

Pain characteristics: Location (unilateral or bilateral), quality (throbbing, pulsating), intensity (moderate to severe, interfering with routine activities), aggravating factors (physical activity, head movements).

Associated symptoms: Presence of nausea, vomiting, photophobia (light sensitivity), phonophobia (sound sensitivity), osmophobia (odor sensitivity). Document whether symptoms necessitate behavioral modifications (seeking dark and quiet environment).

Aura symptoms: If present, characterize type (visual, sensory, language, motor), duration (typically 5-60 minutes), gradual development, complete reversibility. Visual aura is most common (scintillating scotomas, fortification spectra, visual loss).

Neurological examination: Should be normal between attacks. Persistent abnormal findings suggest secondary causes and require further investigation.

Assessment instruments: Headache diaries are valuable for documenting frequency, duration, intensity, triggers, and treatment response. Impact scales (MIDAS, HIT-6) quantify disability and guide therapeutic decisions.

Step 2: Verify Specifiers

After confirming the diagnosis of migraine, determine relevant specifications:

Presence or absence of aura: Fundamental distinction that may influence therapeutic choices (combined hormonal contraceptives contraindicated in migraine with aura due to cerebrovascular risk).

Episode frequency: Episodic migraine (fewer than 15 headache days per month) versus chronic migraine (15 or more headache days per month, for more than 3 months, with migraine characteristics on at least 8 days).

Specific temporal patterns: Menstrual migraine (occurs exclusively or predominantly in perimenstrual window), migraine related to specific triggers.

Complications: Identify whether there is status migrainosus (attack lasting more than 72 hours), migrainous infarction (aura symptoms persisting beyond 1 hour with evidence of cerebral ischemia), or persistent aura without infarction.

Step 3: Differentiate from Other Codes

8A81: Tension-Type Headache Key difference: Tension-type headache presents with pressing/tightening quality (not throbbing), mild to moderate intensity, bilateral location, not aggravated by routine physical activity, and without significant nausea. Photophobia or phonophobia may occur, but not both. No aura. Migraine is typically unilateral, throbbing, moderate to severe, aggravated by physical activity, with nausea and both photophobia and phonophobia.

8A82: Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias Key difference: These conditions (cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania) present with briefer attacks (15-180 minutes), strictly unilateral orbital/periorbital pain, prominent ipsilateral autonomic symptoms (lacrimation, rhinorrhea, ptosis, miosis), and frequently agitated behavior during attacks. Migraine has longer duration (4-72 hours), less prominent autonomic symptoms, and patients prefer quiet rest.

8A83: Other Primary Headache Disorder Key difference: This category encompasses less common primary headaches that do not meet criteria for migraine, tension-type headache, or trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. Includes primary stabbing headache (ultra-brief episodes, seconds), cough headache (triggered by cough/Valsalva), exertional headache, among others with specific characteristics distinct from migraine.

Step 4: Required Documentation

Checklist of mandatory information for adequate recording:

  • Typical duration of attacks (in hours)
  • Monthly frequency of episodes
  • Location of pain (unilateral/bilateral)
  • Quality of pain (throbbing/non-throbbing)
  • Intensity (0-10 scale or descriptors)
  • Associated symptoms present (nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia)
  • Presence/absence of aura with detailed description if present
  • Identified precipitating factors
  • Functional impact (days of work/school missed, activity limitation)
  • Previous treatments and response
  • Neurological examination (especially if abnormal)
  • Investigations performed (neuroimaging if indicated)
  • Relevant comorbidities (depression, anxiety, sleep disorders)

Adequate recording: Documentation should allow another professional to clearly understand why the diagnosis of migraine was established, differentiating it from other primary headaches and excluding secondary causes when appropriate.

6. Complete Practical Example

Clinical Case

A 32-year-old female patient, a teacher, seeks care for recurrent headaches that significantly interfere with work and social activities. She reports that since age 18 she has experienced headache episodes, initially 1-2 times per month, currently 4-5 episodes monthly.

Initial presentation: She describes that attacks often begin in the morning upon waking or develop gradually over several hours. Approximately 30 minutes before the headache establishes itself, in about half of the episodes, she experiences visual symptoms: initially she perceives a small blind spot in the central visual field, which gradually expands forming a zigzag pattern with shimmering borders, moving laterally over 15-20 minutes until disappearing in the visual field periphery. Occasionally, she notes tingling beginning in fingers of one hand, ascending through the arm to the face, lasting 10-15 minutes.

Following these symptoms, she develops hemicranial headache (alternating between right and left side in different attacks), of throbbing quality, described as "pounding, in pulses synchronized with heartbeats". Intensity progressively increases over 1-2 hours, reaching level 8/10. Any physical activity, even walking or climbing stairs, intensifies the pain. Head movements are particularly uncomfortable.

Accompanying the headache, she experiences intense nausea, with vomiting in approximately half of the episodes. She develops marked light sensitivity (needs to keep the environment dark, curtains closed) and sound sensitivity (normal noises become unbearable). Even usual odors become unpleasant. She needs to interrupt activities, lie down in a dark and quiet room.

The attacks typically last 24-36 hours when not adequately treated. Common analgesics (acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory drugs) provide minimal relief. She identifies some triggering factors: sleep deprivation (weekends after a stressful week), prolonged fasting, menstrual period, red wine consumption, and intense emotional stress.

Evaluation performed: Complete neurological examination during consultation (between attacks) is entirely normal: pupils isochoric and photoreactive, complete ocular movements without nystagmus, normal visual fields by confrontation, muscle strength preserved symmetrically, sensation intact, normal and symmetric tendon reflexes, coordination preserved, normal gait. Absence of neck rigidity or meningeal signs. Fundoscopy without papilledema.

Past medical history: denies hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease. Does not use regular medications. Positive family history: mother and sister also have migraine. Non-smoker, occasional alcohol consumption.

Neuroimaging was requested (cerebral magnetic resonance imaging) according to institutional protocol for initial evaluation of headache with aura, which showed no structural alterations, vascular lesions, or other abnormalities.

Step-by-Step Coding

Criteria analysis:

  1. Duration: Attacks lasting 24-36 hours when untreated ✓ (criterion: 4-72 hours)

  2. Pain characteristics: Unilateral ✓, throbbing ✓, moderate to severe intensity ✓ (8/10), aggravated by physical activity ✓

  3. Associated symptoms: Nausea ✓, vomiting ✓, photophobia ✓, phonophobia ✓

  4. Aura: Present in approximately half of the episodes ✓ - typical visual symptoms (scintillating scotomas) and sensory symptoms (paresthesias), gradual development, duration 15-30 minutes, completely reversible

  5. Frequency: 4-5 episodes monthly (episodic, not chronic)

  6. Functional impact: Incapacitating, requires interruption of activities

  7. Exclusion of secondary causes: Normal neurological examination, neuroimaging without alterations

Code chosen: 8A80 - Migraine

Complete justification: The patient meets all diagnostic criteria for migraine. The presence of aura in some episodes characterizes migraine with aura, while episodes without aura also occur (both classified under 8A80). The duration, pain characteristics, associated symptoms, and functional impact are typical. The normal neurological examination and neuroimaging without alterations exclude secondary causes. The frequency of 4-5 episodes monthly characterizes episodic migraine (not chronic, which would require ≥15 headache days monthly).

Applicable complementary codes:

  • Codes for comorbidities if present (anxiety, depression frequently coexist)
  • Codes for complications if they occur (migraine status, migraine infarction)
  • Codes for specific treatments when relevant for documentation

Clinical documentation: The record should include detailed description of the aura (type, duration, reversibility), headache characteristics (PQRST - provocation/palliation, quality, region, severity, time), associated symptoms, frequency, identified triggers, functional impact, neurological examination, and investigations performed.

7. Related Codes and Differentiation

Within the Same Category

8A81: Tension-Type Headache

When to use vs. 8A80: Use 8A81 when the headache presents distinctive characteristics: quality of pressure, tightness or heaviness (not pulsating), mild to moderate intensity (not disabling), bilateral location (frequently band-like or helmet-like), not significantly worsened by routine physical activity, absence of nausea (mild anorexia may occur), and at most one of photophobia or phonophobia (not both).

Main difference: Tension-type headache is fundamentally non-pulsating and non-disabling, allowing continuation of activities with discomfort, whereas migraine is typically pulsating and disabling, forcing interruption of activities. The simultaneous presence of nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia strongly points to migraine.

8A82: Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias

When to use vs. 8A80: Use 8A82 for conditions such as cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, or SUNCT when present: strictly unilateral orbital/supraorbital/temporal pain, shorter duration (15-180 minutes for cluster headache, 2-30 minutes for paroxysmal hemicrania), prominent ipsilateral autonomic symptoms (lacrimation, conjunctival injection, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, facial sweating, miosis, ptosis), restlessness or agitation during attacks, and characteristic temporal pattern (circadian for cluster headache).

Main difference: Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias present briefer attacks, much more prominent autonomic symptoms than in migraine, strictly unilateral pain (always same side during active period), and agitated behavior (versus seeking quiet rest in migraine). The 4-72 hour duration of migraine contrasts with briefer attacks of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias.

8A83: Other Primary Headache Disorder

When to use vs. 8A80: Use 8A83 for primary headaches that do not fit into migraine, tension-type headache, or trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. Examples include: primary stabbing headache (ultra-brief episodes of seconds, like "stab wounds"), primary cough headache (triggered by cough, sneeze, or Valsalva), primary exercise headache (triggered by physical exercise), primary headache associated with sexual activity, hypnic headache (awakens from sleep), primary thunderclap headache, new persistent daily headache (continuous headache from clearly remembered onset).

Main difference: These conditions possess specific and distinct characteristics that do not meet criteria for migraine. The ultra-brief duration (seconds) of primary stabbing headache, the specific triggering by cough or exercise, or the pattern of sudden onset and continuous persistence of new persistent daily headache clearly differentiate these conditions from migraine.

Differential Diagnoses

Headache Attributed to Head Trauma: Clear history of trauma preceding headache onset. May present with features similar to migraine, but temporal relationship to trauma is fundamental.

Headache Attributed to Infection: Fever, meningeal signs, altered consciousness, abnormal neurological examination suggest infectious etiology (meningitis, encephalitis).

Headache Attributed to Vascular Disorder: Sudden onset ("thunderclap headache"), persistent focal neurological deficits, neuroimaging changes suggest subarachnoid hemorrhage, arterial dissection, cerebral venous thrombosis.

Headache Attributed to Intracranial Hypertension: Headache worse when lying down, Valsalva maneuvers, associated with transient visual disturbances, papilledema on examination.

How to distinguish: Detailed history identifying onset, temporal evolution, associated systemic or neurological symptoms, complete physical examination including neurological examination, and appropriate investigations (neuroimaging, lumbar puncture when indicated) allow differentiation. Migraine is a diagnosis of exclusion that requires absence of secondary causes.

8. Differences with ICD-10

Equivalent ICD-10 code: G43 - Migraine

The transition from ICD-10 to ICD-11 brought significant changes in migraine classification:

Improved hierarchical structure: ICD-11 offers a more logical and clinically oriented structure, with parent-child categories more clearly defined. Code 8A80 is situated within "Headache disorders" with specific subcategories for different types of migraine.

Alignment with international classification: ICD-11 aligns more closely with the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) from the International Headache Society, facilitating communication between clinicians and researchers globally. Diagnostic criteria are more consistent across classifications.

Updated terminology: ICD-11 uses more contemporary and precise terminology, reflecting current understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of migraine. Obsolete terms have been removed or updated.

Coding of complications: ICD-11 allows more specific coding of migraine complications (status migrainosus, migraine infarction, persistent aura) as distinct entities, facilitating epidemiological tracking of these important conditions.

Practical impact: Healthcare professionals should familiarize themselves with the new code structure and updated criteria. Electronic health record systems require updating to incorporate ICD-11 codes. Epidemiological research and clinical studies benefit from more precise and internationally consistent classification. Reimbursement policies and health resource allocation can be based on more accurate data regarding migraine prevalence and impact.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

How is migraine diagnosed?

Migraine diagnosis is essentially clinical, based on detailed history and physical examination. There is no laboratory or imaging test that confirms migraine; these are used to exclude secondary causes when indicated. The physician evaluates headache characteristics (duration, location, quality, intensity), associated symptoms (nausea, photophobia, phonophobia), presence of aura, frequency of episodes, triggering factors, and functional impact. Headache diaries, maintained by the patient for 4-8 weeks, provide valuable information about pattern and triggers. Neurological examination should be performed and is typically normal between attacks. Neuroimaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain) is indicated when there are warning signs: sudden and severe onset ("thunderclap headache"), significant change in established pattern, persistent neurological symptoms, abnormal neurological examination, onset after age 50, or progressively worsening headache.

Is treatment available in public health systems?

The availability of migraine treatments varies among different health systems, but generally includes options at multiple levels. Acute treatments (for individual attacks) include simple analgesics (acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), antiemetics (for nausea), and migraine-specific medications (triptans). Preventive treatments (to reduce frequency and severity of attacks) include beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and, more recently, monoclonal antibodies against CGRP. Public health systems typically provide first-line treatments, while newer and specialized medications may have restricted access or require special approval. Non-pharmacological approaches (lifestyle modifications, trigger management, relaxation techniques, biofeedback) are important treatment components and generally accessible.

How long does treatment last?

Treatment duration varies depending on type and individual response. Acute treatment is used as needed during attacks, ideally initiated early for better efficacy. Preventive treatment, when indicated (frequency ≥4 attacks per month with significant impact, or less frequent but highly disabling attacks), generally requires a 3-6 month period to adequately assess efficacy. If effective, it can be continued for 6-12 months, followed by an attempt at gradual reduction to assess if it remains necessary. Some patients require preventive treatment for prolonged or indefinite periods, while others experience spontaneous remission (especially women after menopause). Periodic reassessments are important to adjust treatment according to clinical evolution. Lifestyle modifications (regular sleep, exercise, stress management, avoiding triggers) are long-term strategies that should be maintained continuously.

Can this code be used in medical certificates?

Yes, code 8A80 can and should be used in medical certificates when appropriate. Migraine is a recognized medical condition that can cause significant temporary disability during acute attacks. Certificates should document the diagnosis (including ICD-11 code), period of necessary leave, and specific restrictions if applicable. The duration of leave depends on the severity of the individual attack: typical episodes may require 1-3 days of leave, while status migrainosus may require a longer period. Adequate documentation is important to justify work or school absence. In cases of chronic migraine with high frequency of disabling attacks, evaluation for long-term disability may be appropriate. Professionals should balance legitimate patient needs with responsibility for accurate and appropriate documentation.

Can migraine cause permanent complications?

In most cases, migraine is a benign condition without permanent complications. However, rare complications can occur. Migrainous infarction occurs when aura symptoms persist beyond 1 hour with evidence of cerebral ischemia on neuroimaging, potentially resulting in permanent neurological deficit. This complication is rare, more common in migraine with aura, and risk increases with use of combined hormonal contraceptives in women with migraine with aura. Persistent aura without infarction refers to aura symptoms lasting more than 1 week without evidence of infarction on neuroimaging. Status migrainosus (attack lasting more than 72 hours) is disabling but generally reversible. Chronification (transformation of episodic migraine into chronic migraine) represents an important complication, frequently associated with excessive analgesic use. Chronic psychosocial impact (depression, anxiety, social isolation) can occur in severe cases not adequately treated.

Is there a cure for migraine?

Migraine is a chronic condition for which there is no definitive "cure" in the sense of guaranteed permanent elimination. However, many patients experience spontaneous remission, especially women after menopause. Modern treatments are highly effective for controlling symptoms: acute treatments can abort or significantly reduce severity of individual attacks when used early, and preventive treatments can reduce frequency and intensity of attacks by 50% or more in many patients. Identification and avoidance of triggers, lifestyle modifications, and management of comorbidities (sleep, stress, anxiety, depression) contribute significantly to control. Recent therapeutic advances, particularly monoclonal antibodies against CGRP and gepants, offer new options for patients refractory to conventional treatments. Although there is no universal cure, most patients can achieve satisfactory control with an individualized and comprehensive therapeutic approach.

Can children have migraine?

Yes, migraine can begin in childhood, often during school years, although it is less common than in adults. Pediatric migraine presents some differences compared to the adult form: attacks tend to be shorter (1-72 hours, versus 4-72 hours in adults), pain is more frequently bilateral (versus predominantly unilateral in adults), abdominal symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting) are more prominent, and the child may appear pale and quiet during attacks. Periodic syndromes of childhood (cyclic vomiting, benign paroxysmal vertigo, benign paroxysmal torticollis) are considered precursors of migraine. Family history is frequently positive. Diagnosis in children requires special attention to exclude secondary causes. Treatment includes non-pharmacological approaches (regular sleep and meals, hydration, stress management), acute treatments (ibuprofen is first-line in children), and preventive treatments when indicated. Prognosis is generally favorable, with many children experiencing reduction or resolution of attacks during adolescence or early adulthood.

What is the relationship between migraine and hormones?

There is a significant relationship between migraine and hormones, particularly in women. Migraine prevalence increases markedly at puberty in girls, becomes approximately three times more common in women than men during reproductive years, and frequently improves after menopause, evidencing the role of sex hormones. Menstrual migraine occurs in the perimenstrual window (2 days before to 3 days after menstruation), related to estrogen withdrawal. Migraine may worsen during the first half of pregnancy, but often improves in the second and third trimesters due to stable and elevated estrogen levels; attacks typically return in the postpartum period. Combined hormonal contraceptives may worsen migraine in some women and are contraindicated in migraine with aura due to increased cerebrovascular risk; progestin-only contraceptives are a safer alternative. Hormone replacement therapy at menopause can influence migraine, with transdermal regimens and stable doses preferable to oral and cyclic preparations. Understanding this hormonal relationship informs decisions about contraception and management during different phases of reproductive life.


Keywords: migraine ICD-11, code 8A80, primary headache, migraine with aura, migraine without aura, migraine diagnosis, migraine treatment, headache classification, headache disorders, migraine clinical coding.

External References

This article was prepared based on reliable scientific sources:

  1. 🌍 WHO ICD-11 - Migraine
  2. 🔬 PubMed Research on Migraine
  3. 🌍 WHO Health Topics
  4. 📊 Clinical Evidence: Migraine
  5. 📋 Ministry of Health - Brazil
  6. 📊 Cochrane Systematic Reviews

References verified on 2026-02-02

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