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Table 1 Refractory chronic migraine criteria (proposed) [3]

From: Refractory chronic migraine: long-term follow-up using a refractory rating scale

1. Patient has diagnosis of chronic migraine (or migraine)

2. Patient has failed adequate trial of at least two out of four drug classes

 a. Anticonvulsants

 b. Beta blockers

 c. Tricyclics

 d. Calcium channel blockers

3. Patient has modified lifestyle and eliminated triggers

4. Patient has failed abortive medications, including:

 a. Triptans and DHE

 b. NSAIDs and combination analgesics

5. There may be modifiers:

 a. With or without medication overuse

 b. With significant disability