Migraine

Clinical Pathways promote evidence based, safe, and high-value care for patients by providing clinical recommendations and standard processes. They are developed by multidisciplinary committees of subject matter experts, informed by methodical review of available evidence and consensus among committee members. 

Clinical Pathway: 

• Migraine Therapy in the Emergency Department Algorithm 
• Migraine Synopsis (provides care standards employed for this clinical pathway)

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion:  

• Children > 8 years of age. 
• Normal physical exam. 
• History consistent with primary headache.

Exclusion:  

• Signs of secondary headache, such as focal neurological changes. 
• Hypertension.
• Trauma.

Committee members involved in the development: 

• J. Bickel MD | Neurology | Committee Chair 
• M. Hegenbarth MD | Emergency Medicine | Committee member 
• I. Siqqidi PharmD | Pharmacy | Committee member 
• L. Anson RN-BC | Comprehensive Pain Management | Committee member 
• J. Michael, DO, FAAP | Evidence Based Practice & Emergency Medicine | Committee member 
• J. Bartlett, PhD, RN | Evidence Based Practice | Committee member 
• J. Dusin, MS, RD, LD, CNSC | Evidence Based Practice | Committee member 
• N. Allen, MS, MLS, RD, LD | Evidence Based Practice | Committee member 

Publication dates: 

• Finalized date: 10/16 
• Next expected revision date: Due for revision.

If you have any questions regarding this content, or identify a broken link, please email evidencebasedpractice@cmh.edu. 

These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.