MENSTRUAL MIGRAINE - TOWARDS A DEFINITION

''Menstrual'' migraine, a term misused by both patients and doctors, l acks precise definition. This dissertation critically reviews papers o n the subject and examines the problem from a clinical perspective. A definition is proposed that the term ''menstrual'' migraine should be restricted to attacks exclusively starting on or between day 1 +/- 2 d ays of the menstrual cycle; the woman should be free from attacks at a ll other times of the cycle. This definition, unlike many used previou sly, links to a specific mechanism; the timing is consistent with oest rogen withdrawal. If this is correct, ''oestrogen withdrawal'' migrain e may be a better term. Future studies, necessary to support or refute these proposals, are suggested.