Survey Shows People with Migraine are Dissatisfied with Current Preventive Treatment Options
The recent survey, Preventing Migraine Attacks: A Current Perspective, showed 84% of individuals with migraine who are taking a preventive treatment wish for a better treatment option. The survey found 50% of individuals with migraine are exceptionally disappointed with current means to control their migraine attacks. Survey respondents reported a range of emotions caused by the lack of control over their migraine, including anxiety (15%), exhaustion (29%), frustration (39%), and stress (19%). However, most individuals are hopeful and optimistic when starting a new therapy (82%), with more than half (53%) saying the single most important attribute for a future preventive migraine treatment is to provide more days/month without migraine attacks.
The survey also investigated how migraine affects Black and Hispanic people as well as women of all identities more than others. Based on the input from Black and Hispanic people, the thought of taking a preventive treatment causes feelings of worry, fear, and anxiety. But when asked about treatment overall, 77% of Black and 73% of Hispanics say they wish they had sought care sooner According to 48% of women surveyed, hormonal changes related to menstruation, menopause or childbirth triggered worsening migraine.
The survey showed Black individuals struggle with negative feelings about managing their disease more frequently than other who took the survey:
• 68% believe they are chasing a goal that they cannot reach
• 72% report feeling that life is passing them by
• 66% often feel frustration in having to adjust treatments
• 66% feel they are a "guinea pig" as their healthcare provider tries to find the right preventive treatment for them
Individuals with migraine reported that migraine attacks affect their energy level (64%), mental clarity (57%), personal relationships (31%-50%), productivity (54%), and professional success (49%). More than two-thirds (67%) acknowledge their risk of anxiety and depression increases as the number of their migraine attacks increase.