Which migraine symptom is explicitly listed among the five in the criteria?

Which migraine symptom is explicitly listed among the five in the criteria?

• A. Throbbing
• B. Dizziness
• C. Fever
• D. Cough

Answer: (A)

Pain quality in migraines is often described as pulsating or throbbing, which is one of the hallmark features in the migraine attack criteria. The five features typically cited include unilateral location, pulsating (throbbing) quality, moderate to severe intensity, worsening with routine physical activity, and association with nausea and/or vomiting (often with photophobia or phonophobia). Among the options, throbbing best matches the described pain quality in these criteria. Dizziness, fever, and cough are not part of the standard diagnostic features for a migraine attack.

Pain quality in migraines is often described as pulsating or throbbing, which is one of the hallmark features in the migraine attack criteria. The five features typically cited include unilateral location, pulsating (throbbing) quality, moderate to severe intensity, worsening with routine physical activity, and association with nausea and/or vomiting (often with photophobia or phonophobia). Among the options, throbbing best matches the described pain quality in these criteria. Dizziness, fever, and cough are not part of the standard diagnostic features for a migraine attack.