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Interview tool helped in identifying migraines
A newer diagnostic tool may help clinicians determine whether some patients are truly experiencing migraines, according to study data published online.
The Diagnostic Interview of Headache Syndromes–Child Version (DIHS-C), which was developed by Tarannum Lateef, MD, MPH, of the National Institute of Mental Health, and colleagues, was administered to 104 children as part of a community-based family study of migraines. Children in the study sample (53 boys, 51 girls) were aged 7 to 17 years.
The interview is “composed of an open-ended clinical history, modules with key symptoms for each of the major headache subtypes, and associated impairment, duration, frequency, course, and treatment,” according to the study researchers.
Lateef and colleagues found that when they compared their interview diagnosis with a neurologist’s diagnosis, sensitivity was 98%. Specificity of the interview format was 61%, and this specificity and sensitivity was similar regardless of age and gender groups.
The researchers noted some limitations of the interview tool; specifically, an inability to quantify the individual types of headache — along with a relatively small sample size. – John Schoen
Tarannum Lateef, MD, MPH, can be reached at tlateef@childrensnational.org.
Disclosure: Lateef reports no relevant financial disclosures.
