Burden and unmet needs in migraine patients: results from the OVERCOME (Spain) study

Abstract

Introduction This analysis aimed to evaluate demographics, migraine-related disability, symptoms, diagnosis and healthcare consultation, work productivity, and treatment patterns according to headache frequency in adults with migraine in the OVERCOME (ObserVational survey of the Epidemiology, tReatment and Care Of MigrainE) (Spain) study.

Methods Data were obtained from an observational, cross-sectional, web-based survey conducted between October 2020-February 2021 in Spain. Eligible participants were adult members of online survey panels living in Spain who were able to read and write Spanish and fulfilled the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition (ICHD-3) criteria for migraine or had a self-reported physician diagnosis.

Results In total, 10,229 patients comprised the Spanish sample. Only 56.2% of respondents had a confirmed healthcare professional (HCP) diagnosis of migraine, despite almost all meeting modified ICHD-3 criteria. Pain severity, migraine-related disability, and interictal burden increased with increasing number of headache days per month. Migraine impacted on respondents' work productivity, with increases in presenteeism, work productivity loss, and daily activity impairment at higher headache frequencies. Over the past year, 66.2% of all HCP visits were specifically due to migraine, most commonly with a general practitioner or pharmacist. A subgroup of 1277 patients (12.5% of the total survey population) met eligibility criteria for migraine preventive medications, of whom only 36.6% were currently taking a preventive.

Conclusions Results of the OVERCOME (Spain) survey reveal the substantial burden of migraine, which is directly linked to headache frequency. However, most patients experiencing frequent headaches and eligible for migraine preventives are currently not taking them. Findings highlight the importance of addressing unmet needs for people with migraine in Spain.