According to the migraine criteria provided, how many of the five symptoms must be present to classify the headache as a migraine?

• A. One of the five
• B. Two of the five
• C. Three of the five
• D. Four of the five

Answer: (C)

Three of the five hallmark symptoms are needed to classify a headache as migraine. The five features typically taught are unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate to severe pain, aggravation by routine physical activity, and the presence of associated symptoms such as nausea/vomiting or photophobia/phonophobia. If at least three of these are present, the headache fits migraine criteria, which allows for variability in how migraines present while avoiding overcalling other headache types. Aura, if present, is not required.