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Published on: June 2, 2014
Self-reported menstrual migraine in the general population
Kjersti Grøtta Vetvik1, E Anne MacGregor, Christofer Lundqvist
1Head and Neck Research Group, Research Centre, Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Oslo, Norway. kjersti.vetvik@medisin.uio.no
The Journal of Headache and Pain
|February 27, 2010
Summary
Menstrual migraine, encompassing pure menstrual migraine (PMM) and menstrually related migraine (MRM), is common in Norwegian women aged 30-44. The study found PMM prevalence at 2.7% and MRM at 4.6% in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Migraine attacks often increase during the perimenstrual period for many women.
- The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD II) categorizes menstrual migraine into pure menstrual migraine (PMM) and menstrually related migraine (MRM).
- Despite recognition, further evidence is required for formal inclusion in ICHD III.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of PMM and MRM in the general Norwegian population.
- To investigate the occurrence of self-reported menstrual migraine in women aged 30-44.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire survey was distributed to 15,000 women aged 30-44 in eastern Norway.
- The questionnaire included six questions on migraine, headache frequency, and the relationship between migraine and menstruation.
- A total of 11,123 women completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 77%.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of self-reported migraine was 34.8%.
- Among migraineurs, 21% reported menstrual-related migraine.
- Prevalence rates for PMM and MRM in the general population were 2.7% and 4.6%, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported menstrual migraine, including PMM and MRM, is prevalent in Norwegian women aged 30-44.
- These findings contribute to the scientific evidence needed for potential inclusion in future headache disorder classifications.
- Menstrual migraine appears to be a common condition affecting a significant portion of women in this age group.
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