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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Predictability of future attacks by migraineurs: a prospective observational study
X Henry Hu1, Wendy Golden, Susan C Bolge
1Global Health Outcomes, Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ 19486, USA.
Headache
|March 19, 2010
Summary
Migraine sufferers struggle to predict attacks, impacting daily life. Preparedness and education are crucial for managing migraine disability and reducing anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Migraine imposes significant economic and humanistic burdens.
- Early intervention with triptans improves outcomes but requires patient preparedness.
- Patient preparedness hinges on readily accessible abortive medications at headache onset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the predictability of future migraine attacks.
- To describe the impact of migraine on daily life during and between attacks.
Main Methods:
- 1519 adult migraine sufferers completed baseline and follow-up internet-based questionnaires.
- Baseline questionnaire included Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and prediction of next attack details.
- Follow-up questionnaire collected details of the most recent migraine attack.
Main Results:
- Only 4.0% could predict the exact date of their next migraine; 21.24% predicted within 3 days.
- 46.6% accurately predicted the time of day and 70.7% the location of their next migraine.
- 92.6% reported changing daily plans due to migraine; fear of attacks led to altered work and social commitments.
Conclusions:
- Migraine sufferers generally cannot predict the onset of their next attack.
- The unpredictability of migraine underscores the need for patient education and preparedness.
- Improved preparedness may help reduce fear and anxiety experienced between migraine attacks.
