Dawn Buse, Ph.D., lead study investigator and Director of Psychology at the headache center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City
To develop MIBS, researchers identified 30 items based on clinical experience and focus groups with Migraine sufferers. Questionnaires designed to learn more about the impact of Migraine between attacks were mailed to approximately 2,500 Migraine patients in the general population. Statistical analysis helped the researchers to identify 16 questions that best measure the interictal burden of Migraine. A shorter version of the instrument for use in a primary care setting to help guide treatment decisions is currently under development.
"While some medications can help relieve the pain felt during a Migraine attack, there are other treatment options… Preventive medications may reduce the burden of Migraine during and between attacks."
Richard B. Lipton, M.D., study author and director of the headache center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City
Approximately 35 million Americans suffer from Migraines, but fewer than half are properly diagnosed. Recently, the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study showed that almost 98 percent of people with frequent Migraines take medications, but a large majority reported their lives are still negatively impacted by the pain and disability associated with Migraine. In addition, approximately 40 percent of frequent Migraine sufferers could benefit from preventive therapy, yet only 13 percent use Migraine preventive medication.
Summary
Thanks to this study, there is now clinical data to back up what Migraineurs already knew – Migraine impacts our lives and the lives of the people close to us not just during attacks, but between attacks as well.
The MIBS will provide both healthcare professionals and Migraineurs with information that has the potential to change not only our treatment, but other aspects of our lives as well:
· Medical professionals who have a clearer picture of the total impact of Migraine can provide better care for Migraineurs.
