The burden of migraine: Compelling insights from the American migraine studies

Two methodologically identical studies conducted 10 years apart demonstrate that migraine is a remarkably common problem in the United States; about 18% of women and 6% of men are affected. Pain is often severe or very severe and 91% of migraine sufferers report at least some headache-related disability. Also, migraine remains undiagnosed in more than half of those who suffer from the disorder. Despite the development of a wide range of effective treatments, many severe migraine sufferers are not treated with prescription drugs. Over the last decade, diagnostic rates and prescription drug use have increased only modestly. Thus, treatment delivered to affected persons appears to be lagging behind the treatment available. Given the variety of effective therapeutic options, many migraine attacks could be effectively prevented or treated.