By definition established by the International Headache Society, status migraine is a migraine attack that persists for more than 72 hours. One factor involved in prolonging a migraine attack is the sterile inflammatory response to migraine, which may develop around the walls of the affected blood vessels. A variety of chemical mediators may play a role in this occurrence. Repetitive doses of dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE), administered intravenously, is one of several treatments that may help to resolve prolonged migraine attacks.
The corticosteroids, given to decrease the inflammatory process, have also been beneficial in treating status migraine. At times, hospitalization may be required.
