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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Migraine Headache in an Employed Population: Demographics, Health Risks, Pharmaceutical Utilization, and Productivity
Wayne N Burton1, Alyssa B Schultz, Martha E Shepherd
1From the Environmental and Occupational Sciences, University of Illinois School of Public Health, Chicago (Dr Burton); Global Health Management Research Core, Ann Arbor, Michigan (Dr Schultz); Clinical Medicine and Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Office of Population Health; and Vanderbilt Health at Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, Tennessee (Dr Shepherd); and Employee Benefits, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Tenn Nashville, Tennessee (Mr Hines).
Migraine affects 11% of school employees. Those with opioid prescriptions faced significantly higher healthcare costs, highlighting the need for evidence-based migraine treatment and careful benefit plan design.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder impacting workforce productivity and healthcare utilization.
- Understanding the specific health risks and economic burden associated with migraine in employed populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
- School district employees represent a significant demographic group where migraine's impact may be underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare demographic, health risk, and pharmaceutical utilization patterns between school district employees with and without migraine.
- To identify specific characteristics and healthcare cost drivers associated with migraine in a large, employed cohort.
- To inform employer-sponsored health and wellness programs regarding migraine management.
Main Methods:
- A health risk appraisal was administered to 4528 school district employees.
- Migraine diagnosis status was self-reported, with 11% of employees reporting a diagnosis.
- Statistical comparisons were made between employees with and without migraine on various health and demographic measures, including pharmaceutical utilization and healthcare costs.
Main Results:
- Significant demographic and health risk differences were identified between employees with and without migraine.
- One-fifth of employees with migraine reported an opioid prescription.
- Migraineurs with opioid prescriptions incurred substantially higher average annual healthcare costs ($17,791) compared to those without ($3,907).
Conclusions:
- Migraine is a common condition within the school district workforce, necessitating employer attention.
- Educating employees with migraine on evidence-based treatment options is recommended.
- Employer benefit plans should align with current guidelines for managing opioid use in migraine treatment.
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