Patients’ postures during migraineattacks

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine postures adopted bypatients during migraine attack. A total of 199 migrainepatients were questioned about their postures during themigraine attack. Of these, 92 patients did not choose a specificlying position, 22 could not lie down during the attack becauseof the increase in pain, while 6 avoided lying due to scalptenderness. During the attack, 19 patients preferred holdingtheir heads up (compared to painless period) with a few pillowsand 41 applied pressure on the aching side; 15 lay with theirnecks extended and 15 lay face downward. Various combinations ofthese postures were also reported. Pain may arise fromextracranial muscles as well as vessels during a migraineattack. The posture chosen during attack is a reflection ofvascular and muscle pains that provoke symptoms. The posturesthat patients chose were aimed to lessen the severity ofsymptoms of their migraine attacks. Patients know the positionthey adopt and do not need to be told by a doctor, but they cometo consultations to be understood, to learn that others behavein the same way, and in some, to obtain reasons for theirposture. The existence of a specific lying posture can be anadvantage for the physician in terms of approaching the patientand selecting an appropriate therapy.