American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

In the diagnostic criteria for migraine, what characteristic must the pain possess?

1. Moderate or severe intensity

2. Constant but mild pain

3. Only occurring during sleep

4. Aggravation with rest

The correct answer is: Moderate or severe intensity

The characteristic that the pain must possess in the diagnostic criteria for migraine is that it should be of moderate or severe intensity. Migraines are typically associated with significant pain that can disrupt daily activities. This criterion is part of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, which defines migraines as unilateral, pulsating in quality, and often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. The emphasis on moderate to severe intensity reflects the debilitating nature of migraine attacks, distinguishing them from other types of headaches that may not cause as much distress or interference with normal functioning. While some types of headaches may be persistent and mild or only occur during specific times such as sleep, these characteristics do not align with the established criteria for diagnosing migraines. Therefore, the requirement for moderate to severe intensity is foundational in recognizing and diagnosing the migraine condition accurately.