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Migraine with aura — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateHeadacheMigraine with auraMCCQE Part 1

A 32-year-old woman has recurrent unilateral throbbing headaches with photophobia and nausea. Before the pain she sees shimmering zig-zag lines for 20 minutes; neurological examination between episodes is normal. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Migraine with aura

Recurrent throbbing headaches with photophobia, nausea and a reversible visual aura are typical migraine with aura. Subarachnoid haemorrhage is thunderclap and abrupt; temporal arteritis is unusual at this age and has systemic features. Aura matters because it affects contraceptive counselling and vascular risk discussion.

Reference: Canadian Headache Society migraine guideline