So a flickering light with unterschiedlichen frequencies before the patient may appear at the end of the investigation, to activating the brain function and to do any dormant abnormalities visible. Subsequently also prompts the patient to breathe deeply. These so-called hyperventilation leads to a modified oxygen – and carbon dioxide content of the brain, which can also enable abnormalities. This painless examination is performed while sitting or lying down with eyes closed. The investigation lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. The EEG in the interval – so between the migraines – is completely normal or nonspecific diffuse abnormal with abschnittsweiser slowing of brain waves. Here, Preventive Medicine Research Institute expresses very clear opinions on the subject. The EEG in the attack is usually unremarkable, limits local activations of the basic rhythm can be found or partially slower brain waves.

Consequently, the EEG in particular to distinguish migraine from other neurological disorders than just feasible and painless examination is helpful. Additional tests arise on the basis of the medical history. Klinisch neurological findings should be noticeable or the history not typical for a migraine headache or other primary headache, so make sure a CT or MRI should be performed. In these investigations not the function of the brain, but the anatomical structures of the brain can be different to the EEG represent. This particular tumors, inflammation or other abnormalities can be determined.

Without detailed specialist diagnosis of headache symptoms, risks each migraine sufferers to get wrong treatments and fake medicines, and loses the chance of successful treatment. However, it is with security at a typical migraine history, a regelrechten neurological examination and a normal EEG is not automatiCally a CT or MRI scan required. A normal skull X-ray is inexpedient due to the lack significance in the diagnosis of migraine. An X-ray of the cervical spine with function recordings – so when certain movements of the cervical spine – is useful when on the basis of the medical history and examination on a Cervicalsyndrom, so a wear and tear of the cervical spine, suspected that then both occipital pain to tension-type headache can lead and can be the trigger for migraines. The Doppler ultrasonography and duplex Sonography of the brain-supplying vessels, Arteria vertebral, serve carotid artery and Arteria to diagnose or exclude a vascular disease, which can cause in addition to neurological cases of head -, face – and neck pain. A spinal puncture with investigation of liquors (brain fluid) is one only encountered sudden acute headache to the exclusion of a particular form Cerebral hemorrhage – subarachnoid hemorrhage – or meningitis – meningitis – necessary. Diagnostic steps to the right migraine: detailed patient-doctor conversation clinical neurological examination, electroencephalography (EEG) further investigations, depending on the medical history and clinical examination: blood test computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, Doppler duplex ultrasound of the neck vessels X-ray of the spine repeated headaches or very strong, sudden onset headache must be clarified by a doctor.