122 ‘My migraine voice: burden of migraine and it’s management in an australian cohort’

Abstract

Objective: Migraine is the greatest cause of disability under the age of 50. The estimated cost of migraine in Australia is $35.7 billion per annum1. This survey aimed to assess the impact of migraine and its management. Method(s): This cross-sectional study was a survey of patients with >=4 monthly migraine days and at least one preventive treatment for migraine previously. Data from the Australian cohort was compared to the data of the overall global cohort2. Result(s): 68% of the 320 Australian patients were women, mean age 41 years, similar to the global cohort. On average, diagnosis of migraine took 2.4 medical professionals and 4.1 appointments. Depression (41%) and anxiety (40%) were were higher in Australian responders, compared to 23% and 27% of the global responders, respectively. Depressed and anxious patients had the lowest rates of being on current preventive management for their migraine. Most (60%) reported fear of the next attack, hopelessness and difficulty thinking clearly during attacks. Preventive therapies had limited retention of use (43%) and satisfaction (53%), with reasons for switching preventives including lack of efficacy (54%) and too many side effects (36%). 69% of employers were aware of the migraines, with only 24% offering support for the migraines. In the Australian cohort, there was higher absenteeism (17% Australian; 13% global) and reduction in productivity (53% Australian; 48% global). 13% of the Australian cohort were on a disability pension due to migraine. Employers were often (69%) aware of the migraines, but only 24% offered any support. Conclusion(s): The My Migraine Voice Survey adds weight to understanding the burden of migraine in Australia, as well as giving insights into the patient journey and limitations of current management options. Self-reported rates of anxiety, depression and absenteeism from work were reported in the Australian cohort, compared to the global cohort. Awareness of the burden of disease to patients, physicians and employers is still required for improved outcomes in this disabling condition.