Infographic

The challenges with migraine care — and what health systems can do about it

Migraine is a chronic condition that is frequently misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. Learn the challenges migraine patients face throughout the care journey and get practical solutions for health systems to address each obstacle, from initial diagnosis to ongoing management.

Patients with migraine face numerous challenges as they navigate the healthcare system in search of diagnosis and effective treatment. The symptoms can be easily confused with other ailments, and patients with migraine may suffer longer without proper identification and understanding of their condition. Once diagnosed, they may encounter a lack of tailored treatment options and support. This can lead to a sense of frustration, helplessness, and a continuous struggle to manage the symptoms that disrupt their daily lives.

Health systems can improve the care journey for migraine sufferers by implementing practical solutions from the initial diagnosis stage to the ongoing management of the condition. By focusing on these solutions, healthcare providers can offer better support and more effective treatments, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those affected by migraine.


Why do we need to talk about migraine care?
40M

Estimated number of people in the U.S. suffering from migraine.1

$78B

Estimated annual migraine cost in the U.S.2

$12B

Estimated total indirect cost associated with migraine in the U.S., with 81% due to absenteeism.*3

5th

Migraine is the 5th leading cause of years lived with disability in the U.S.4

* Absenteeism defined as: Full days of productive workforce loss.

1 Law HZ, Chung MH, Nissan G, Janis JE, Amirlak B. Hospital burden of migraine in United States adults: a 15-year National Inpatient Sample analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020; 8(4):e2790. doi:10.1097/ GOX.0000000000002790.

2 Gooch CL, Pracht E, Borenstein AR. The Burden of Neurological Disease in the United States: A Summary Report and Call to Action. Annals of Neurology. 2017;81(4):479-484. doi:10.1002/ana.24897.

3 Hawkins K, Wang S, Rupnow MF. Indirect Cost Burden of Migraine in the United States. J Occup Environ Med. 2007 Apr;49(4):368-74. doi:10.1097/ JOM.0b013e31803b9510.

4 Mokdad AH, et al. US Burden of Disease Collaborators. The State of US Health, 1990-2016: Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Among US States. JAMA. 2018;319(14):1444-1472. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.0158.

5 Optum interviews and analysis.

6 Shapiro RE, et al. 63rd Annual Scientific Meeting American Headache Society: Reasons for Hesitating to Consult for Migraine Care: Results of the OVERCOME (US) Study. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. 2021;61(S1):10-12. doi:10.1111/head.14130.

7 Minen MT, et al. Migraine Diagnosis and Treatment: A Knowledge and Needs Assessment Among Primary Care Providers. Cephalalgia. 2016;36(4):358-370. doi:10.1177/0333102415593086.

8 Durham PL. CGRP-receptor antagonists—a fresh approach to migraine therapy? N Engl J Med. 2004;350(11):1073-1075. doi:10.1056/ NEJMp048016.

9 Lipton RB, et al. Unmet Acute Treatment Needs From the 2017 Migraine in America Symptoms and Treatment Study. Headache. 2019 Sep;59(8):1310-1323. doi: 10.1111/head.13588.

10 Ford JH, et al. Cycling Through Migraine Preventive Treatments: Implications for All-Cause Total Direct Costs and DiseaseSpecific Costs. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy. 2019;25(1):46-55. doi:10.18553/jmcp.2018.18058.

11 Phillip D, Lyngberg A, Jensen R. Assessment of Headache Diagnosis. A Comparative Population Study of a Clinical Interview With a Diagnostic Headache Diary. Cephalalgia. 2007;27(1):1-8. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007.01239.x.


About the sponsor

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.

We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.pfizer.com.

To learn more, please visit us and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.

This infographic is sponsored by Pfizer, an Advisory Board member organization. Representatives of Pfizer helped select the topics and issues addressed. Advisory Board experts maintained final editorial approval, and conducted the underlying research independently and objectively. Advisory Board does not endorse any company, organization, product or brand mentioned herein.

View Advisory Board's editorial guidelines.

Liam Frieswick, Michaela Dipillo, and Jennifer Fierke contributed to to the writing of this infographic.


Sponsored by

This infographic is sponsored by Pfizer. Advisory Board experts conducted the underlying research independently and objectively.

Learn more about Pfizer


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SPONSORED BY

INTENDED AUDIENCE
  • Hospitals and health systems
  • Physicians and medical groups

AFTER YOU READ THIS
  • You will understand the migraine care journey and the notable challenges at each stage.
  • You will be able to assess which recommendations make the most sense for your system to pursue.

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