Migraine Disability Assessment Scale Research Articles

Assessing the Long-Term (48-Week) Effectiveness, Safety, and Tolerability of Fremanezumab in Migraine in Real Life: Insights from the Multicenter, Prospective, FRIEND3 Study.

Long-term (1-year) fremanezumab treatment proved to be effective, safe, and well tolerated in individuals with migraine and < 2 medication clusters in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). We aimed to assess real-world evidence (RWE), long-term effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of fremanezumab in people with high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM) or chronic migraine (CM) with > 3 treatment failures and various comorbidities. A 48-week, prospective, multicenter (n = 26), cohort study assessed fremanezumab's effectiveness, safety, and tolerability in consecutive adults with HFEM or CM with > 3 treatment failures. Primary endpoint was variation from baseline in monthly migraine days (MMD) in HFEM and monthly headache days (MHD) in CM at weeks45-48. Secondary endpoints were changes in monthly analgesic medications, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), and the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) scores and ≥ 50%, ≥ 75%, and 100% responder rates. Of 533 participants who had received ≥ 1 fremanezumab dose, 130 were treated for ≥ 48weeks and considered for effectiveness analysis. No participant missed any treatment dosage every other consecutive month during the 12-month period. fremanezumab significantly (p < 0.001) reduced both MMD (- 6.4) in HFEM and MHD (- 14.5) in CM. Secondary endpoints: a significant reduction (p < 0.001) was observed in monthly analgesic medications (HFEM -6.0; CM -16.5), NRS (HFEM -3.4; CM -3.4), HIT-6 (HFEM -16.9; CM -17.9) and MIDAS score (HFEM -50.4; CM -76.6). The ≥ 50%, ≥ 75%, and 100% response rates to fremanezumab were 75.5%, 36.7%, and 2% in HFEM and 71.6%, 44.4%, and 3.7% in CM. Corresponding response rates were 60.5%, 37.2%, and 2.3% in individuals with psychiatric comorbidities, 74.2%, 50%, and 4.8% in CM with medication overuse, and 60.9%, 39.1%, and 4.3% in CM with medication overuse and psychiatric comorbidities. Mild and transient treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 7.8% of the participants. No subject discontinued the treatment for any reason. This RWE study documents that long-term fremanezumab treatment is highly effective and remarkably well tolerated in subjects with HFEM or CM with multiple (> 3) therapeutic failures, even in the presence of concomitant medication overuse, psychiatric comorbidities, or both. The effectiveness-to-tolerability ratio appears to be better in RWE than in RCTs.

The first interim analysis of Italian patients enrolled in the real-world, Pan-European, prospective, observational, phase 4 PEARL study of fremanezumab effectiveness

IntroductionIn 2020, the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) approved the reimbursement of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), including fremanezumab, in patients with a Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) score ≥ 11, with prescription renewals for up to 12 months in patients with ≥ 50% reduction in MIDAS score at Months 3 and 6. In this sub-analysis of the Pan-European Real Life (PEARL) study, we provide real-world data on fremanezumab use in Italian routine clinical practice (EUPAS35111).MethodsThis first interim analysis for Italy was conducted when 300 enrolled adult patients with episodic or chronic migraine (EM, CM) completed 6 months of treatment with fremanezumab. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients achieving ≥ 50% reduction in monthly migraine days (MMD) across the 6 months post-fremanezumab initiation. Secondary endpoints include: proportion of patients achieving ≥ 50% reduction in MIDAS score at Months 3 and 6, and mean change from baseline across Months 1–6 in MMD and headache-related disability. Safety was assessed through adverse events (AEs) reported.ResultsOf 354 patients enrolled at Italian centers, 318 (EM, 35.5%, CM, 64.5%) were included in the effectiveness analysis. Of patients with available data, 109 (61.2%) achieved the primary endpoint. 61.0% and 65.1% achieved ≥ 50% reduction in MMDs at Months 3 and 6, respectively; 79.9% and 81.0% experienced ≥ 50% reduction in MIDAS at the same timepoints.ConclusionFremanezumab was effective and well-tolerated over the first 6 months of treatment, with approximately 80% of patients meeting Italian criteria for treatment continuation at Months 3 and 6.

Efficacy of greater occipital nerve block treatment for migraine and potential impact of patient positioning during procedure: Results of randomised controlled trial.

PurposeAssess the efficacy, and potential impact of patient positioning for 10 minutes immediately post-procedure, of greater occipital nerve (GON) block for treatment of migraine. MethodsProspective multicentre non-blinded randomised controlled trial, randomisation and treatment of 60 neurology clinic patients with poorly controlled migraine. Outcomes measured with Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), modified MIgraine Disability Assessment Scale (M-MIDAS), and RELIEF scores. ResultsPatient positioning did not lead to significant difference in RELIEF score (34% vs 11%, p-value 0.10, Chi-squared test) at day 90. When considered in a multiple regression analysis, the sitting position outperformed supine position significantly (p-value 0.04). However, no significant difference in HIT-6 score between the supine (n = 27) and sitting position groups (n = 33) was detected at baseline (p-value 0.76), day 30 (p-value 0.69) or day 90 (p-value 0.54, Mann-Whitney U-test). The HIT-6 score significantly improved post-GON block, from median 67 (baseline pre-GON) to 59 (day 30) and 62 (day 90) for the supine group and a score of 66, 61–62 for the sitting group (all p-value ≤ 0.001, intra-group comparison using Wilcoxon test); M-MIDAS achieved similar outcomes. Overall, a significant minimal clinically important improvement was obtained with GON block, and the GON injections were deemed very tolerable by patients (median score of 2 on 10 cm pain scale). ConclusionRegardless of patient positioning, GON block is an effective and near-painless procedure for migraine symptom control. Unlike earlier published observational study data, this trial concludes that a sitting patient position immediately post-GON is preferred.

Monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway improve the effectiveness of acute medication—a real-world study

BackgroundOne of the aims of migraine prevention is to improve response to acute migraine treatments. The aim of the present study was to assess whether monoclonal antibodies targeting the CGRP pathway (CGRP-mAbs) can improve the perceived efficacy of acute treatments.MethodsWe included and followed up patients with chronic or episodic migraine from the Headache Centers of Avezzano-L’Aquila and Naples treated with CGRP-mAbs from March 2021 to December 2022. All patients filled out the Migraine Treatment Optimization Questionnaire (MTOQ), the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), and the Migraine Impact and Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) at baseline and 3–6 months after the start of treatment with CGRP-mAbs.ResultsSixty-five patients (81.3%) completed the 6-month follow-up. Most patients were female (55, 84.6%), with a median age of 46 years (IQR 39–56). Median MTOQ score increased from 8 (interquartile range [IQR] 4–13) at baseline to 15 (IQR 11–17) at 3 months (p < 0.001) and 16 (IQR 13–17) at the 6-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Median migraine days over 90-day periods decreased from 40 (IQR 24–60) to 24 (IQR 15–30) at 3 months (p < 0.001) and to 20 (IQR 12–24) at 6 months (p < 0.001). Median monthly intake of acute medication decreased from 55 doses (IQR 29–80.5) to 24 doses (IQR 15–40) at 3 months and 18 doses (IQR 11–30) at 6 months (p < 0.001).ConclusionsWe showed that 6 months of preventive treatment with CGRP-mAbs led to a significantly better effectiveness of acute treatments, paralleled by decreased monthly migraine days and acute treatment intake.

Validity and reliability of Arabic version of pediatric migraine disability assessment scale (Child Self-Report versus Parent Proxy-Report): a multi-center study

BackgroundPediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS) is one of the most frequently used questionnaires to assess disability from migraine in pediatric patients. This work aimed to evaluate the validity and test–retest reliability of the Arabic version of the child self-report versus the parent proxy report PedMIDAS. We also aimed to test the agreement between children's and parents' reports of the scale.MethodsPedMIDAS was subjected to translation and back-translation, then applied to 112 pediatric patients fulfilling the migraine diagnostic criteria. This cross-sectional study was conducted on two visits, one week apart. At visit 1, the following data were obtained from the included pediatric patients: disease duration, migraine type, current treatment regimen, monthly migraine days (MMD) during the last month preceding the enrollment, and migraine intensity using the visual analogue scale. Then, each child and his parent were independently asked to fill out PedMIDAS and Child Self-Report of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 (PedsQL™) to test the convergent validity of PedMIDAS. At visit 2, each child was requested to complete PedMIDAS again, and so was the parent to evaluate test–retest reliability.ResultsCronbach’s alpha was estimated to be 0.94 for each instrument. For the child-self report PedMIDAS, the average measure intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value was 0.992 (95%CI = 0.989–0.995), while it was estimated to be 0.990 for the parent-proxy report with 95%CI = 0.985–0.993, indicating excellent test–retest reliability for both instruments. The child-self report and the parent-proxy report PedMIDAS scores were significantly correlated with MMD, VAS, and all domains of the corresponding PedsQL, supporting convergent validity for both instruments. Agreement between parent and child on disability grading categories of PedMIDAS was substantial (κ = 0.644).ConclusionThe Arabic version of PedMIDAS was a valid and reliable instrument to assess disability from migraine in Arabic-speaking pediatric patients with migraine. Parent reports can be valuable as a complement to child reports for a comprehensive assessment of migraine.

A new neuromodulation method in chronic migraine; non-ınvasive pulsed radiofrequency, a single-blinded, randomised, controlled trial.

Non-invasive pulsed radiofrequency (NipRF) therapy, a neuromodulation method for peripheral nerves, is a new treatment modality for pain. We aimed to show the changes in pain severity and frequency per month in chronic migraine with NipRF treatment. We treated patients diagnosed with chronic migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders III beta diagnostic criteria. In half of the patients, we applied pulsed radiofrequency (pRF) treatment with transcutaneous electrodes to the greater occipital nerve (GON) trace. In the other half, we applied the GON block under ultrasound guidance. The Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) was administered to the participants, and those with scores > 2 were included in the study. Pain intensity and frequency were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and a headache diary completed before and 4weeks after treatment. When both groups were compared, the pre- and post-treatment VAS scores and headache frequencies were similar. Comparing the pre-treatment and post-treatment values within the groups, VAS scores and headache frequency decreased significantly after treatment in both groups (p < 0.001). In this study, we observed that NipRF treatment is safe and effective for treating chronic migraine. Pain intensity and frequency decreased with NipRF treatment, similar to that in the GON block group. NCT05499689, Date: 08/11/2022.

A study of drug prescription patterns, disease-therapy awareness and of quality of life among patients with migraine visiting a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India

Background: Migraine is one of the leading causes of disability globally. There is scarcity of data on disease -therapy awareness and its correlation with demographic factors. Hence its was of interest to assess those along with quality of life in these patients. Methods: A Cross-sectional observational study was conducted in108 patients attending the Neurology and headache OPD at a tertiary care hospital between March 2017 and August 2018. Disease and therapy awareness among patients were evaluated using validated questionnaires and correlation was done with demographic factors. The severity of the disease and its impact on the patients' quality of life were assessed using the migraine disability assessment scale. Results: The mean disease and therapy awareness scores were 9 and 7 respectively. Both had a positive correlation with education and socioeconomic factors. The quality of life was affected moderately in 48.1% of the patients followed by severely 32.4% of the patients. The average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was 3.05. NSAIDS were used more commonly as compared to Triptans for acute attacks. Conclusions: The disease and therapy awareness were fair and positively correlated with education/ socioeconomic status. However, a significant disability was found among patients even with treatment. This highlights the need for educating these patients for effectively controlling the disability.

Sexual dysfunction in Egyptian patients with migraine

BackgroundMigraine is believed to affect over 20% of people at some point in their lives. The presence of sexual dysfunction in migraine sufferers can cause lack of self-confidence and divorces. The aim of this work is to study sexual dysfunction in migraine headache patients.MethodsThe study was carried out at Tanta University Hospital. The study included married patients who visited our hospital clinic and have had episodic or chronic migraine headaches and another group of age and sex matched healthy subjects will be recurited as a control group. Our interview includes questions for disease duration, severity and frequency of headache attacks and attack duration. questionnaire. the Arabic Version of the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale and Beck depression inventory. Sexual function will be evaluated by an Arabic version of Arizona sexual experience scale.ResultsThe ASEX score showed high significant changes between migraine patients and healthy subjects. These changes were reconfirmed when comparing male patients to healthy subjects or female patients to healthy subjects.Despite there was no significant difference regarding total ASEX score between bot male and female patients with migraine there was significant differences in the items of derive, erection/lubrication and satisfaction between them. In patients with migraine the total ASEX score was correlated with the MIDAS, Beck depression inventory, Beck anxiety inventory; but not with the age of patients or headache duration.ConclusionsSexual dysfunction is a common finding in migrine patients which is poorly evaluted in the clinical sitting.

Development and initial validation of the Kiswahili version of the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS-K) questionnaire.

The Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) is one of the tools for measuring and understanding disability caused by migraine. The purpose of this study was to validate a Kiswahili translation of the MIDAS (MIDAS-K) among patients suffering from migraines in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A psychometric validation study of MIDAS was conducted after translation to Kiswahili. A total of 70 people with migraine were recruited by systematic random sampling and they completed the MIDAS-K questionnaire twice, 10-14 days apart. Internal consistency, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability, convergent and divergent validity were examined. 70 patients (F:M; 59:11) with median (25th, 75th) headache days of 4.0 (2.0, 7.0) were recruited. Twenty-eight out of 70 (40%) of the population had severe disability on MIDAS-K. The overall test-retest reliability of MIDAS-K was high (ICC = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.78-0.92 p < 0.001). Factor analysis showed a two-factor structure; the number of days missed and reduced efficiency. MIDAS-K had a good internal consistency of 0.78, good split-half reliability of 0.80 and acceptable test-retest reliability for all items as well as total MIDAS-K scores. The Kiswahili version of the MIDAS questionnaire (MIDAS-K) is a valid, responsive, and reliable tool to measure migraine-related disability among Tanzanians and other Swahili-speaking populations. Quantification of migraine disability in the region will guide policies directed at care allotment, improvement in the provision of interventions for migraine, as well as enhancement of health-related quality of life for patients with migraine in our region.

Depression, Anxiety, and Pain Catastrophizing in Migraine Patients

Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing in individuals with and without migraine. Method: Data of the study was collected using the socio-demographic data form, Beck Depression Scale (BDI), Beck Anxiety Scale (BAI), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: Of the 183 patients, 80 were migraine patients and 103 were the control group. The BDI, BAI, and PCS scores were found to be higher in the migraine patients compared to the control group. The migraine patients were found to have "moderate" depression, "mild" anxiety, and "moderate" disability. There was a positive correlation between BDI, BAI, PCS, MIDAS, and VAS scores in the migraine patients. According to the total BDI and BAI scores of the migraine patients, the PCS total score and the PCS subscales "helplessness", " magnification", and "rumination" scores were higher in the patients with depression or anxiety. Conclusions: It was found that the migraine patients had "moderate" depression and "mild" anxiety, and their pain catastrophizing level increased with increasing depression and anxiety severity.

Migraine in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia; The hidden pain.

This study examined the prevalence of comorbid migraine in patients with bipolar disorder and those with schizophrenia and also examined the association between migraine comorbidity and disease characteristics of both psychiatric disorders. In this cross-sectional study, 150 patients with bipolar disorder and 150 with schizophrenia were evaluated for migraine diagnosis using the International Classification of Headache Disorders (3rd ed). Patients were selected from psychiatry outpatient clinics at Kasr Al Ainy hospitals, Cairo University. The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were administered to the bipolar group, whereas the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was administered to the schizophrenia group. Both groups were evaluated by the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale. The diagnosis of migraine was made in 34 (22.7%) of the bipolar group and 24 (16.0%) of the schizophrenia group. Patients with schizophrenia showed a significantly higher frequency and intensity of migraine attacks on the Migraine Disability Assessment scale than did the bipolar group (p < 0.001). In the bipolar group, there was no significant difference between patients with and without migraine on the YMRS, HDRS, and CGI. Among patients with schizophrenia, the duration of the migraine attacks was positively correlated with CGI scores (r = 0.40, p = 0.02). Migraine is a significant comorbidity in patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.However, the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks were higher in the schizophrenia than in the bipolar group.

Assessment of serum level of melatonin in migraine: a case control study

BackgroundMigraine attacks are reported to be severe enough to affect daily living events and can affect different age groups including early childhood. Chronic migraine is usually associated with several comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, fibromyalgia, and fatigue. The existence of a bidirectional relationship between sleep and migraine is documented. This study aims at assessing the relationship between serum melatonin, sleep quality, and both migraine and migraine severity. This case–control study was executed on 70 patients and 70 healthy controls. Serum melatonin was assessed in morning and evening blood samples. Patients underwent a thorough clinical examination, assessing migraine severity using the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale and the sleep quality of both groups was evaluated using the sleep quality scale.ResultsSerum melatonin levels were significantly reduced among migraine patients in both morning and evening samples. Sleep quality was significantly impaired in migraine patients. There is a statistically significant negative correlation between melatonin in both samples and both of frequency of attack and migraine disability. Positive family history, presence of aura and chronic migraine had significantly lower melatonin in both samples compared to those without aura was associated with significantly lower melatonin. Sleep quality was negatively correlated with serum melatonin, and positively correlated with migraine severity and frequency.ConclusionSerum melatonin is significantly reduced among migraineurs, and linked to migraine severity; they also had impaired sleep quality so melatonin administration may represent a chance for improving headache characteristics.

Burden of Migraine and Migraine-Associated Symptoms in People with Differing Ethnic and Racial Backgrounds: Results of the OVERCOME (US) Study (S41.003)

Burden of Migraine and Migraine-Associated Symptoms in People with Differing Ethnic and Racial Backgrounds: Results of the OVERCOME (US) Study (S41.003)

Positive Establishment of a Digital Working Alliance with a Prescription Digital Therapeutic in Patients with Migraine (P11-12.004)

<h3>Objective:</h3> Obtain evidence for a digital working alliance (DWA) between participants with migraine and an investigational precursor of a prescription digital therapeutic (PDT). <h3>Background:</h3> Recommended migraine treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and muscle relaxation are underutilized. PDTs can standardize such approaches to migraine treatment and overcome utilization barriers including provider availability and cost. A therapeutic alliance, which identifies patient goals, builds rapport, and establishes patient commitment to treatment, is a critical factor in successful face-to-face treatments. A digital working alliance (DWA), akin to the therapeutic alliance, is likely to be necessary in an effective PDT. Development of an effective DWA has not been assessed in participants with migraine. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Single-center, exploratory, single-arm, 2-week study of a precursor version of a PDT in individuals (18–64yrs) with physician-diagnosed migraine (N=60). Participants were asked to complete a lesson each day. DWA was interpreted on a 7-item Likert scale (Mobile Agnew Relationship Measure [mARM]) at end of treatment. <h3>Results:</h3> Correlating with real-world prevalence, Participants were majority female (90%) with a median age (IQR) of 38 years (34, 49). Most (73.3%) had episodic migraine and reported a median (IQR) Migraine Disability Assessment Scale score of 32.5 (18, 45.3). Participants completed a median (IQR) of 14 (13, 14) lessons and a total of 204 therapeutic skill modules. The median (IQR) overall mARM score was 5.9 (5.4, 6.2). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> This is the first study to report that participants with severe migraine related disability form a positive DWA with a PDT. Consistent with this, most participants completed a majority of daily lessons and therapeutic skill modules available to them. This evidence supports further development of PDTs for migraine and is a first step towards refinement and assessment in randomized controlled trials to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety in migraine. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Snipes has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Click Therapeutics. Dr. Snipes has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Kuka has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Click Therapeutics. Miss Besedina has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Click Therapeutics Inc.. Laura Taraboanta has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Click Therapeutics. Laura Taraboanta has stock in Click Therapeutics. Mr. Hare has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Click Therapeutics, Inc.. Dr. Gupta has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Click Therapeutics. Dr. Lakhan has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Zogenix, Fern Health, Thriveworks, The Learning Corp, Click Therapeutics. Dr. Lakhan has received personal compensation in the range of $500,000-$999,999 for serving as a Consultant for Shaheen Lakhan, MD. Dr. Lakhan has received personal compensation in the range of $100,000-$499,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Neurocrine, Fern Health, Lin Health. Dr. Lakhan has received personal compensation in the range of $500,000-$999,999 for serving as an officer or member of the Board of Directors for Click Therapeutics, SpineThera. Dr. Lakhan has stock in Zogenix, NeuroSport, Click Therapeutics, SpineThera.

Surgical therapy of migraine: a 12-year single-center experience

BackgroundIn recent years, surgical therapy has taken on an increasingly decisive role in the therapeutic armamentarium of migraine. All surgical techniques are aimed at the complete neurolysis of some extra-cranial nerves, of which the most involved (in our experience) are the greater and lesser occipital, auriculotemporal, supraorbital, and supratrochlear nerves. This paper describes our surgical approaches for the treatment of occipital, temporal, and frontal trigger sites. MethodsA single-center, retrospective study was conducted on all patients who underwent surgical treatment of migraine between 2011 and 2022. Patients were asked to fill out a headache diary and complete a migraine questionnaire assessing parameters before surgery, after 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. Data regarding age, sex, age at onset, migraines per month (in days), associated symptoms, severity (on a scale from 1 to 10), inability to work per month (in days), health status, history of neck trauma, and family history were collected. The Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) score was also used to evaluate the degree of disability for each patient.ResultsWe have operated on 612 patients: n.266 occipital, n.248 temporal, n.98 frontal. The surgical procedure elicited a positive response in 90% of the patients (69% complete recovery). Complications were mild and temporary: mainly, hypoesthesia and numbness of the undermined areas, lasting from 3 weeks to 6 months. We observed the onset of secondary trigger sites in 257 (42%) patients.DiscussionThe described procedure is minimally invasive and highly reproducible and allows to obtain a high degree of success with a negligible rate of complications. Nevertheless, given the high percentage of occurrence of secondary trigger points, it is particularly important to warn the patient of this possibility in pre-operative visits.Level of evidence:Level III, Therapeutic

Predictors of treatment-response to caffeine combination products, acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in acute treatment of episodic migraine.

To identify predictors of acute treatment optimization for migraine with "over-the-counter" (OTC) or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as well as other widely used OTCs including acetaminophen, caffeine combination products (CCP), and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin) among people with episodic migraine and to develop models that predict treatment response to each class of OTCs. Efficacy of acute OTC medications for migraine varies greatly. Identifying predictors of treatment response to particular classes of medication is a step toward evidence-based personalized therapy. For this prediction model development study, we used data from 2224 participants from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) study who were aged ≥18 years, met criteria for migraine, had <15 monthly headache days, and reported being on monotherapy for acute migraine attacks with one of the following classes medications: CCP (N=711), acetaminophen (N=643), ASA (N=110), and prescription or OTC NSAIDs (N=760). The primary outcome measures of treatment optimization were adequate 2-h pain freedom (2hPF) and adequate 24-h pain relief (24hPR), which were defined by responses of half the time or more to the relevant items on the Migraine Treatment Optimization Questionnaire-6. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 46.2(13.1)years, 79.4% (1765/2224) were female, 43.7% (972/2224) reported adequate 2hPF, and 46.1% (1025/2224) reported adequate 24hPR. Those taking CCP had better 2hPF and 24PR outcomes. For those taking NSAIDs, better outcomes were associated with lower average pain intensity (2hPF: odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.99; 24PR: OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.96), cutaneous allodynia (2hPF: OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.96; 24PR: OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.87-0.95), depressive symptoms (2hPF: OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.98; 24PR: OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99), and Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) grade (2hPF: OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.90; 24PR: OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.95). Adequate 2hPF for those taking CCP was associated with male gender (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.21-2.77), lower average pain intensity (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70-0.91), lower cutaneous allodynia (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.97), and lower Migraine Symptom Severity Scale Score (MSSS; OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86-0.97). Adequate 24hPR for those taking CCP was associated with lower average pain intensity (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.96), lower cutaneous allodynia (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.96), and lower MIDAS grade (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68-0.96). Participants who were married (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.05-2.19), had lower average pain intensity (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70-0.89), lower MSSS (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.99), less depression (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99), and lower MIDAS grade (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.87) had adequate 2hPF after taking acetaminophen. Participants who were married (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.02-2.21), had lower pain intensity (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69-0.88), less depression (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.98) and lower MIDAS grade (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.42-0.67) had higher 24hPR following use of acetaminophen. A lower MSSS was the only factor associated with higher 2hPF and 24PR after using ASA (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.67-0.92 and OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.93). Predictive models had modest performance in identifying responders to each class of OTC. A large subgroup of people with migraine had an inadequate response to their usual acute OTC migraine treatment 2- and 24-h after dosing. These findings suggest a need to improve OTC treatment for some and to offer prescription acute medications for others. Predictive models identified several factors associated with better treatment-response in each OTC class. Selecting OTC treatment based on factors predictive of treatment optimization might improve patient outcomes.

Altered brain activity and functional connectivity in migraine without aura during and outside attack

ABSTRACT Background Migraine is commonly seen as a cyclic disorder with variable cortical excitability at different phases. Herein, we investigated the cortical excitability in migraine without aura patients during an attack (MWoA-DA) and interictal period (MWoA-DI) and further explored the functional connectivity (FC) in brain regions with cortical excitability abnormalities in patients. Methods Seven MWoA-DA patients, twenty-seven MWoA-DI patients, and twenty-nine healthy controls (HC) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scan. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) was assessed to identify spontaneous brain activity. Then, brain regions showing significant differences across groups were identified as regions of interest (ROI) in FC analysis. Results Compared with MWoA-DI patients and HC, the ALFF in the trigeminocervical complex (TCC) was higher in the MWoA-DA patients. Decreased FC in MWoA-DA patients was found between TCC and left postcentral gyrus compared with MWoA-DI patients. Compared with HC, ALFF was lower in the right cuneus but higher in the right rolandic operculum of MWoA-DI patients. Additionally, the ALFF in the right cuneus was negatively correlated with the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) in MWoA-DI patients. Conclusions The trigeminovascular system and impairments in descending pain modulatory pathways participate in the pathophysiology of migraine during the ictal period. The defense effect exists in the interictal phase, and the dysfunction in the cuneus may be related to the disease severity. This dynamic change in different brain regions could deepen our understanding of the physiopathology underlying migraine.

Optimized Acute Treatment of Migraine Is Associated With Greater Productivity in People With Migraine: Results From the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study.

This study aimed to ascertain whether level of optimization of acute treatment of migraine is related to work productivity across the spectrum of migraine. Data were from the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study, an internet-based longitudinal survey. Respondents with migraine who reported full-time employment and use of ≥1 acute prescription medication for migraine were included. We determined relationships among lost productive time (LPT; measured with the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale), acute treatment optimization (Migraine Treatment Optimization Questionnaire- ), and monthly headache days (MHDs). There was a direct relationship between LPT and MHD category. Greater acute treatment optimization was associated with lower total LPT, less absenteeism, and less presenteeism within each MHD category. Optimizing acute treatment for migraine may reduce LPT in people with migraine and reduce indirect costs.

Assessment of Psychiatric Comorbidities and Disability in Patients with a Complaint of Headache Attending Psychiatric Outpatient Department at Tertiary Care Center

Abstract Background: Headache is one of the most common complaints seen among the patients attending the psychiatric outpatient department. Psychiatric comorbidities worsen the headache and there is a vicious cycle of headache and psychiatric symptoms, aggravating each other. This further complicates headache management so it is better to explore psychiatric symptoms whenever we come across a headache patient. Aims and Objectives: The aim and objective of the study are to assess the psychiatric comorbidities and disability among the patients complaining of headaches. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at a tertiary care center. Patients attending the outpatient department with complaints of headaches were enrolled. Psychiatric comorbidities were assessed by using patient health questionnaire-9, generalized anxiety disorder-7 scale, depression, anxiety, and stress 21 scale along with allodynia symptom checklist-12. Disability in the past 3 months was assessed by Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) scale. A semi-structured Performa was used to record sociodemographic details and clinical variables. Results: Majority of the patients (69%) were of the age group 20–40 years. Females (75%) predominated in the study. The average severity of headaches reported by 63% of patients was moderate over Likert’s scale. Temple area (73%) was the main location. Throbbing (81%) was the main type of headache. One-third of the patients got compelled to wake at night due to headache attacks. The main premonitory symptoms were depression, irritability, and sensitivity to sound. Other associated symptoms during headache attacks were sensitivity to sound, anxiety, and irritability. Psychological stress was the main provoking factor. The majority of patients (75%) show mild disability in the past 3 months over the MIDAS scale. 25% of the patient-reported moderate depression over the patient health questionare-9 scale. The majority of the patients (85%) reported moderate-to-severe anxiety and nearly half of the patients reported severe stress. Conclusion: Patients with headaches have high chances of associated psychiatric comorbidities that make worse outcomes of each other so it is better to do detailed psychiatric workup and treat them efficiently keeping in view of psychiatric symptoms.

Effect of physical activity level on pain, functionality, and quality of life in migraine patients.

This study aimed to determine the physical activity (PA) level of individuals with migraine and examine its effects on pain intensity (PI), disability, and quality of life (QoL). Individuals diagnosed with migraine between the ages of 18 and 55 were included in the study. PA levels are assessed by the International PA Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), PI with the McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire, disability with the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), and QoL with the World Health Organization QoL Scale Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF). A total of 88 individuals, with a mean age of 34.11±10.51 years, were included in the study; 53.41% were low active (LA), 30.68% were moderate active (MA), and 15.91% were high active (HA). The physical health of LAs (p=0.047) was lower than that of MAs. General (p<0.001), physical (p<0.001), and psychological (p=0.003) health scores were lower than HAs. LAs had a higher disability (p=0.042) and PI (p=0.001) than HAs. There was a weak negative correlation between PA and PI (p=0.001) and disability (p=0.005), and a weak positive correlation between PA levels and social (p=0.007) and environmental (p=0.013) scores, and moderate positive correlations with physical (p=0.000), general (p=0.000), and psychological (p=0.000) scores. It was observed that as PA levels increased, PI decreased, and functionality and QoL increased in patients with migraine. Ensuring exercise continuity seems to be effective for improving the negative effects of migraine.