BURDEN OF MIGRAINE - A REVIEW OF ITS SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT

According to population-based epidemiological studies using Internatio nal Headache Society diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of migraine i n developed countries ranges from 8 to 14%. These prevalence figures c onfirm the widespread nature of the disorder. Moreover, as migraine is a chronic episodic disorder that predominantly affects people during their working lives (between the ages of 25 and 55 years), indirect co sts associated with reduced productivity represent a substantial propo rtion of the total cost of migraine. The results of health-related qua lity-of-life studies demonstrate that migraine has a considerable impa ct on functional capacity, resulting in disrupted work and social acti vities. Many migraineurs. however, do not seek medical attention, have not been accurately diagnosed by a physician or do not use prescripti on medication. Therefore, the direct costs of treatment for migraine a re relatively small compared with the indirect costs. Migraine is an i mportant chronic illness that has a major impact on the working sector of a population. The overall cost attributable to migraine is unknown , but it is now established that the indirect costs of migraine outwei gh the direct costs and therefore represent an obvious target for heal thcare intervention aimed at reducing the impact of this chronic condi tion.