Examining the interrelationship of migraine onset, duration, and time to treatment

The objective of this study is to investigate migraines, both longitudinally and cross-sectionally, to understand the impact that time of treatment has on migraine duration and the patients' return to daily functioning.

Several studies have explored the relationship between migraine treatment and its impact on migraine duration; however, the interrelationship of migraine onset and impact of treatment timing on migraine resolution is not completely understood.

Five hundred and nine migraineurs completed 1 online baseline survey and a diary survey after each of their next 3 migraines. All subjects were 18 or older and were employed full time.

Migraine episodes treated within 1 hour were significantly shorter on average than those treated after 1 hour (9.1 hours vs 12.3 hours) (P < .05). Over-the-counter medication was the most frequently reported first-line treatment (44%) followed by an oral triptan (30%), another prescription medication (14%), and combination therapy (4%). Rescue treatment was reported in 57% of attacks. The majority of over-the-counter (69%) and another prescription (55%) treated attacks required rescue whereas only 39% of first-line triptan attacks required rescue.

Treating migraines early with an oral triptan-containing therapy appears to be a very effective method for reducing migraine duration and preventing the need for additional medication. Our findings also suggest that physicians should spend more time educating patients how to identify migraines early. Understanding the relationship between these key factors will provide insight into appropriate treatment and management of migraines, and more importantly, equip patients with the tools necessary to improve their outcomes and overall impact on functioning.