American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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For proper migraine diagnosis, what is the minimum duration for an untreated migraine attack?

2 hours
4 hours
24 hours
1 hour

The correct answer is: 4 hours

A proper migraine diagnosis includes specific criteria regarding the duration of an untreated migraine attack. The International Classification of Headache Disorders outlines that a migraine attack typically lasts between 4 to 72 hours. Therefore, the minimum duration required for an untreated migraine attack is 4 hours. This duration helps differentiate migraines from other types of headaches, ensuring that the diagnosis effectively targets the correct headache type. In migraine cases, the duration also assists healthcare providers in assessing the severity and potential impact on the patient's quality of life. Acknowledging this timeframe is essential for identifying the condition and implementing suitable treatment plans. Understanding these duration criteria enhances the clinician's ability to distinguish migraines from other primary headache disorders, which may present with different characteristics or durations.