OBJECTIVES: The primary objective is to evaluate and provide a useful study on clinical assessment of triggering factors, diagnostic criteria and treatment patterns in migraine patients.

METHODS: This is a prospective observational study conducted at neuro clinics. Patients (n=300) who visited the neuro clinic complaining about headache were identified during February 2017 to July 2017. We have reviewed the information regarding the triggering factors, diagnosis of migraine headache and discuss the safety and efficacy of drug usage.

RESULTS: A sample of 300 patients with migraine were enrolled in the study with ranging from 13 years age to 79 years of age. According to gender distribution 17.66% (n=53) were males and 82.33% (n=247) were females.At least one triggering factor was found in all 300 patients which include food in 36%, sleep deprivation in 44.66%, emotional & work stress in 72%, journey in 72%, strong smell in 33.66%, weather changes in 44.66%,menstruation in 2.42% patients. Multiple triggers (>2) were observed in 76.33%.The intensity of migraine headache was assessed using MIDAS Questionnaire is mild in 5.33%, moderate in 52.33%, severe in 42.33% patients.The nature of pain was pulsatile in 76%, stabbing in 40.3%, pricking in 87.6%, sense of pressure and heaviness in 50 % patients. Associated features like nausea & vomiting is observed in 84.66% patients, giddiness in 40.66% patients, photophobia in 84.33% patients, phonophobia in 71% patients and headache aggravates by daily activities in 59.33%.The average frequency of migraine attacks was observed to be 6.4 times per month and each migraine episode lasts for about 16.4 hours on an average.

CONCLUSIONS: The triggering factors in our patients are similar to the other population across the globe. Knowledge about triggers is helpful in the management of migraine by avoiding them.