Abstract
BackgroundSmartphone-based apps represent a major development in health care management. Specifically in headache care, the use of electronic headache diaries via apps has become increasingly popular. In contrast to the soaring volume of available data, scientific use of these data resources is sparse.ObjectiveIn this analysis, we aimed to assess changes in headache and migraine frequency, headache and migraine intensity, and use of acute medication among people who showed daily use of the headache diary as implemented in the freely available basic version of the German commercial app, M-sense.MethodsThe basic version of M-sense comprises an electronic headache diary, documentation of lifestyle factors with a possible impact on headaches, and evaluation of headache patterns. This analysis included all M-sense users who had entered data into the app on a daily basis for at least 7 months.ResultsWe analyzed data from 1545 users. Mean MHD decreased from 9.42 (SD 5.81) at baseline to 6.39 (SD 5.09) after 6 months (P<.001; 95% CI 2.80-3.25). MMD, AMD, and migraine intensity were also significantly reduced. Similar results were found in 985 users with episodic migraine and in 126 users with chronic migraine.ConclusionsAmong regular users of an electronic headache diary, headache and migraine frequency, in addition to other headache characteristics, improved over time. The use of an electronic headache diary may support standard headache care.
Highlights
The rapid development of modern technologies has led to major advances in health care [1,2]
Mean monthly headache days (MHD) decreased from 9.42 (SD 5.81) at baseline to 6.39 (SD 5.09) after 6 months (P
As recommended in the guidelines for trials of behavioral treatments for recurrent headache, we focused on all monthly headache days and on moderate or severe monthly headache days, in addition to monthly migraine days [16]
Summary
The rapid development of modern technologies has led to major advances in health care [1,2]. Proper documentation can facilitate health care providers in diagnosing headache disorders, evaluating the course of the disease, and assessing treatment effects. It provides patients with a better understanding and awareness for their headaches [5]. The constant dealing with headache symptoms and potential triggers may lead to an increased focus on the disease. In this way, these apps could even become stressors themselves and cause a worsening of headaches [6]. Smartphone-based apps represent a major development in health care management. In contrast to the soaring volume of available data, scientific use of these data resources is sparse
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