Provided by AAFP partner
Migraine is a prevalent and debilitating neurological disorder, affecting over 1 billion people globally.1-3 In the US alone, approximately 40 million individuals suffer from migraine, making it the second most common neurological disease in the country.3,4 Interestingly, migraine is about three times more common in females than in males, highlighting the need for tailored and informed care approaches.5,6
Migraine can significantly impair patients' quality of life and may disrupt sleep, daily activities, relationships and overall enjoyment.3,7-9 The economic burden is substantial, with direct and indirect costs, including productivity losses, ranging between $18 million and $155 million annually in the US.10 Chronic migraine costs per person per year exceed $8,200, while episodic migraine costs are over $2,600.11 This economic impact underscores the importance of effective migraine management.
Despite advancements in understanding migraine pathophysiology and treatment, the condition remains widely underdiagnosed and often misdiagnosed.5 The average time between onset and diagnosis is estimated to be approximately 3.3 years.5 Patients with chronic migraine are 57% less likely to receive an accurate diagnosis compared to those with episodic migraine.12
The Migraine Management Toolkit introduces the mnemonic RATE (Recognize, Assess, Treat, Evaluate), which serves as a potential approach for healthcare professionals to help remind them about the diagnosis and management of migraine.
When to suspect migraine in patients 13
Using a combination of 13
Acute treatment 13,14
For patients with a confirmed diagnosis of migraine
Preventive treatment 13,14
Family physicians should play a role in the long-term management of migraine.13
Family physicians play an important role in today's healthcare landscape and are critical in the diagnosis, treatment and management of a wide array of conditions, including migraine. You are invited to explore the Migraine Management Toolkit and view a recorded webinar on diagnosis and treatment considerations.
With the right tools and knowledge, you have the potential to make a significant difference in your patients' health and quality of life.
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