THE BURDEN OF MIGRAINE - A REVIEW OF COST TO SOCIETY

Migraine is a common episodic disorder with considerable impact on ind ividuals and society. Migraine occurs with the highest prevalence betw een the ages of 25 and 55 years, potentially the most productive perio d of life. Severe migraine can lead to disruption of work, family and social life, the long term consequences of which may affect quality of life. The direct costs of migraine (due to medical care) are small co mpared with the indirect costs caused by absence from work and reduced productivity. Population-based studies are required to assess inciden ce, prevalence and distribution of the disease. These studies also rev eal that migraine is currently underdiagnosed and undertreated. The cu mulative impact of migraine on individuals produces the burden of illn ess on society. Measuring the severity of migraine is important in und erstanding the extent of the burden of migraine on the individual and on society. Measures of severity may be useful as predictors of disabi lity and healthcare use. These measures may also be useful in assessin g the need for patient care and treatment and help target those more d isabled by migraine. Identifying and treating appropriate patients sho uld reduce the impact of migraine on the individual and the burden of migraine on society.