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Published on: June 2, 2014
Migraine in students of a US medical school
Heidi Johnson1, Gabrielle Guhl, Jaya Arora
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Background And Objectives:
The study's aim was to determine migraine prevalence, severity, and educational impact in medical students.
Methods:
A 23-item survey of all medical students of one US medical school addressed migraine frequency, triggers, pattern and severity of symptoms, medication use, impact on educational activities and career choices.
Results:
The response rate was 48% (359 students). Eighty-nine (24.8%) self-reported migraine, and all were confirmed by reported symptoms. Of these students, 54% had a physician-confirmed diagnosis. Migraine prevalence was 35% in women and 14.1% in men. About half of migraineurs reported one or more attacks monthly. Stress and sleep disturbances were the most common triggers. Pain severity was rated 7 or higher on a 10-point scale by 73%. NSAIDs were the most common medications used. Only 13% used prophylaxis. More than 80% reported reduced productivity during migraine, but 76% felt obliged to attend educational activities despite symptoms. A total of 81% of students did not endorse informing faculty about migraine status, and 95% would not disclose it in residency application. Migraine was not a factor in choice of medical specialty or specific residency program.
Conclusions:
Migraine is common in medical students, especially women. Only half have consulted a physician for migraine, and students may be using suboptimal treatments. Although more than half experience severe symptoms that impair performance, the majority attend educational sessions during migraine attacks, and they believe this is expected. Students are unwilling to disclose migraine status to faculty or during application to residency. Migraine does not influence career choices.
