Migraine Headache Differential Diagnosis

Last updated: 28 July 2025

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Differential Diagnosis

The following diseases should be ruled out in the diagnosis of migraine headache: 

  • Brain abscess
  • Central nervous system tumor
  • Cerebral ischemic event
  • Cluster headache
  • Encephalitis
  • Giant cell arteritis
  • Hemicrania continua
  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
  • Medication overuse headache
  • Meningitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • Subdural hematoma
  • Tension-type headache
  • Unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs)