Agreement of self-reported physician diagnosis of migraine with international classification of headache disorders-II migraine diagnostic criteria in a cross-sectional study of pregnant women

Impact of headache frequency and preventive treatment failure on quality of life, disability, and direct and indirect costs among individuals with episodic migraine in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate unmet needs among individuals with episodic migraine (EM) in the United States (US).

BACKGROUND

Data are limited on the impact of headache frequency (HF) and preventive treatment failure (TF) on the burden of migraine in the US.

METHODS

A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 2019 National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS) data was conducted from an opt-in online survey that identified respondents (aged ≥18 years) in the US with self-reported physician-diagnosed migraine. Participants were stratified by HF (low: 0-3 days/month; moderate-to-high: 4-14 days/month) and prior preventive TF (preventive naive; 0-1 TF; ≥2 TFs). Comparisons were conducted between preventive TF groups using multivariable regression models controlling for patient demographic and health characteristics.

RESULTS

Among individuals with moderate-to-high frequency EM, the NHWS identified 397 with ≥2 TFs, 334 with 0-1 TF, and 356 as preventive naive. The 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (version 2) Physical Component Summary scores were significantly lower among those with ≥2 TFs, at a mean (standard error [SE]) of 41.4 [0.8] versus the preventive-naive 46.8 [0.9] and 0-1 TF 44.5 [0.9] groups; p < 0.001 for both). Migraine Disability Assessment Scale scores were significantly higher in the ≥2 TFs, at a mean (SE) of 37.7 (3.9) versus preventive-naive 26.8 (2.9) (p < 0.001) and 0-1 TF 30.1 (3.3) (p = 0.011) groups. The percentages of time that respondents experienced absenteeism (mean [SE] 21.6% [5.5%] vs. 13.4% [3.6%]; p = 0.022), presenteeism (mean [SE] 55.0% [8.3%] vs. 40.8% [6.5%]; p = 0.015), overall work impairment (mean [SE] 59.4% [5.6%] vs. 45.0% [4.4%]; p < 0.001), and activity impairment (mean [SE] 56.8% [1.0%] vs. 44.4% [0.9%]; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the ≥2 TFs versus preventive-naive group. Emergency department visits (preventive-naive, p = 0.006; 0-1 TF, p = 0.008) and hospitalizations (p < 0.001 both) in the past 6 months were significantly higher in the ≥2 TFs group. Direct and indirect costs were significantly higher in the ≥2 TFs (mean [SE] $24,026 [3460]; $22,074 [20]) versus 0-1 TF ($10,897 [1636]; $17,965 [17]) and preventive-naive ($11,497 [1715]; $17,167 [17]) groups (p < 0.001 for all). Results were similar in the low-frequency EM group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this NHWS analysis, individuals with more prior preventive TFs experienced significantly higher humanistic and economic burden regardless of HF.

Migraine and risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Migraine is associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy through common pathophysiological features. This study evaluates the association between migraine diagnosis and treatment, and risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD, a large longitudinal database of patient records in the UK. We analyzed data from liveborn or stillborn singleton deliveries from 1993-2020 with at least 24 months of medical history and no history of cardiovascular disease (n = 1,049,839). We ascertained migraine through diagnosis or prescription codes before 20 weeks of gestation and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy through diagnosis codes between 20 weeks of pregnancy and delivery. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate the risk ratio and 95% confidence intervals, comparing risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among individuals with migraine to those without migraine, adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

A history of migraine prior to pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09-1.26). The greatest risk was among those with pre-pregnancy migraine that persisted into the first trimester (RR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.35-2.50). Use of migraine medication was associated with a higher risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy compared to non-migraineurs (RR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.15-1.97). Results from this study indicate that migraine is a potential risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Pre-pregnancy migraine diagnosis, medication use, and spontaneous abortion: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Migraine is common among females of reproductive age (estimated prevalence:17-24%) and may be associated with reproductive health through underlying central nervous system excitability, autoimmune conditions, and autonomic dysfunction. We evaluated the extent to which pre-pregnancy migraine diagnosis and medication use are associated with risk of spontaneous abortion (SAB).

METHODS

We analyzed data from a preconception study of pregnancy planners (2013-2021). Eligible participants self-identified as female, were aged 21-45 years, resided in the USA or Canada, and conceived during follow-up (n = 7890). Participants completed baseline and bimonthly follow-up questionnaires for up to 12 months or until a reported pregnancy, whichever occurred first. Pregnant participants then completed questionnaires during early (~ 8-9 weeks) and late (~ 32 weeks) gestation. We defined migraineurs as participants who reported a migraine diagnosis or use of a medication to treat migraine. Preconception questionnaires elicited migraine medication use during the past 4 weeks, and SAB on follow-up and pregnancy questionnaires. We used Cox regression models with gestational weeks as the time scale to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations among preconception migraine, migraine medication use, and SAB, controlling for potential demographic, medical, and lifestyle confounders.

RESULTS

Nineteen percent of study pregnancies ended in SAB. History of migraine before conception was not appreciably associated with SAB risk (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.91-1.06). Use of any migraine medication was associated with a modest increase in SAB risk overall (HR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.96-1.36). We observed the greatest increase in risk among those taking migraine medications daily (HR = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.81-2.35) and those taking prescription migraine prophylaxis (HR = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.72-2.84) or combination analgesic and caffeine medications (HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.99-2.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Migraine medication use patterns suggesting greater underlying migraine severity were associated with increased risk of SAB. This research adds to the limited information available on the reproductive effects of migraine.

Examining Migraine as a Predictor of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Onset, Severity, Recurrence, and Associated Falls

Introduction: The comorbidity of migraine and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is well-established, yet the impact of migraine on the BPPV phenotype remains understudied.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients at a tertiary dizziness/vertigo clinic diagnosed with BPPV from 2015 and 2020 was conducted. The study's primary outcomes were the age of BPPV onset, Dizziness Handicap Index (DHI), BPPV recurrence, and dizziness-related falls.

Results: In our cohort of 255 BPPV patients, 44.7% had a history of migraine. Those with migraine had an earlier age of BPPV onset than individuals without migraine (60.2 vs. 65.4, p = 0.0018). Migraineurs and non-migraineurs did not differ in their DHI (44.7 vs. 41.6, p= 0.44), recurrence rates (48.3% vs. 40.4%, p= 0.21), and falls (32.5% vs. 37.6%, p = 0.39). Among individuals with horizontal canal BPPV, a higher proportion of migraineurs experienced falls than non-migraineurs (50.0% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.02).

Conclusions: Migraineurs experience BPPV at a younger age than those without migraine. This finding suggests that migraine, which has been shown to cause inner ear damage, predisposes individuals to developing BPPV earlier. Migraine was also associated with a higher rate of falls among patients with horizontal canal BPPV, indicating that a migraine history may impact the phenotype of BPPV.

Association of Maternal Use of Triptans During Pregnancy With Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring

Importance

Triptans are commonly used in the treatment of migraine. Prenatal exposure to triptans may be associated with adverse fetal neurodevelopment; however, there is limited information about the long-term safety of triptan use during pregnancy.

Objective

To examine the association between maternal use of triptans during pregnancy and diagnosis and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among offspring.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study used data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (recruitment 1999-2008), linked to national health registries. Live-born singleton children born to women with migraine before or during pregnancy were included. Two analytic samples were defined: one to assess ADHD diagnosis and one to assess ADHD symptoms. Data were analyzed from May 1 to November 30, 2021.

Exposure

Maternal self-report of triptan use during pregnancy. Exposed children were compared with 2 groups of unexposed children whose mothers reported migraine (1) during pregnancy and (2) before pregnancy only.

Main Outcomes and Measures

An ADHD diagnosis was defined as diagnosis of hyperkinetic disorder or receipt of dispensed ADHD medication. Symptoms of ADHD at 5 years were measured by the Conners' Parent Rating Scale, where a higher score indicates more symptoms of ADHD. Cox proportional hazards regression models and generalized linear models with inverse probability weights were used to estimate weighted hazard ratios (HRs) and standardized mean differences, respectively, with 95% CIs.

Results

The ADHD diagnosis sample comprised 10 167 children (mean [SD] maternal age, 30.2 [4.6] years; 5231 boys [51.5%]), and the ADHD symptoms sample comprised 4367 children (mean [SD] maternal age, 30.6 [4.4] years; 2191 boys [50.2%]). Children were followed up for a mean (SD) of 10.6 (2.2) years. Children with prenatal triptan exposure had no increased risk of ADHD diagnosis compared with unexposed children whose mothers had migraine during pregnancy (weighted HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.78-1.74) and compared with unexposed children whose mothers had migraine only before pregnancy (weighted HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.84-1.94). There were no differences in ADHD symptom scores between exposed and unexposed children.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that there is no increased risk of ADHD among offspring associated with prenatal exposure to triptans.

Comparison of associated comorbid conditions in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with or without migraine history: A large single institution study

PURPOSE

In the largest reported United States (U.S.) cohort of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), does the presence or absence of migraine correlate with increased associations of other factors?

MATERIALS & METHODS

A retrospective chart review from a single U.S. neurotology center. Adult patients with BPPV from 2003 to 2017 classified into two groups: 1) with migraine; 2) without migraine.

RESULTS

The prevalence of self-reported migraine history in a BPPV-positive population (n = 1481) was 25.8% (n = 382). Among those with BPPV and migraine, 88.5% were female, 8.1% had diabetes, 22.5% had prior history of BPPV, 8.9% had Meniere's disease and recurrence rate was 38.3%. No statistically significant differences between recurrence or resolution rates between the two groups were demonstrated (p > 0.05). Adjusted logistic regression model found that women and those with a prior history of BPPV had significantly higher odds of having both BPPV and migraine conditions compared to their counterparts. In contrast, older age and diabetes were associated with significantly lower odds of concomitant BPPV and migraine.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of migraine among the study sample was 25.8%. Female gender, prior history of BPPV, younger age, and lack of diabetes were independently associated with the concurrent comorbidity of BPPV and migraine. These data further substantiate previously reported rates (from smaller studies); and, demonstrate that recurrence and resolution rates are not worse in those with BPPV and migraine compared to the general BPPV population. Findings support an association between migraine and BPPV and enhances one's ability to accurately counsel patients regarding these diseases.

Patterns and predictors of analgesic use in pregnancy: a longitudinal drug utilization study with special focus on women with migraine

Background

Few studies have investigated the drug utilization patterns and factors predicting drug use in pregnant women with migraine. This longitudinal drug utilization study aimed to describe patterns of analgesic use in a sample of Norwegian pregnant women according to their migraine history, and to identify predictors for analgesic use among these women.

Methods

Pregnant women giving birth at Akershus University Hospital between 2008 and 2010 were recruited at ultrasound examination in gestational week 17. Data were collected by questionnaires in gestational weeks 17 and 32, and at 8 weeks postpartum, and linked to birth records. Women were grouped into four categories according to migraine history: no migraine history, previous migraine history, recent migraine history (within 1 year prior to pregnancy) and migraine in pregnancy. Patterns of use of analgesics were analyzed descriptively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors predicting analgesic use.

Results

Out of 1981 women, 5.0% reported having migraine in pregnancy, 13.2% had a recent history of migraine, 11.5% had a previous history of migraine, and 68.8% reported no history of migraine. Analgesic use declined during pregnancy. Many women switched from triptans and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to paracetamol, which constituted most of the analgesic use. Factors associated with analgesic use included recent migraine history (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2), more severe headache intensity (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.3–1.4), smoking (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.3) and multiparity (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.7).

Conclusions

Women with migraine stop or switch medications during pregnancy. Analgesic use in pregnancy is affected by migraine characteristics and intensity, and also by socio-demographic factors. Clinicians should bear this in mind when giving advice on adequate management of migraine in pregnancy and safe analgesic use.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12884-017-1399-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Migraine, cardiovascular disease, and stroke during pregnancy: Systematic review of the literature

Objective

The objective of this article is to review the literature relating migraine, cardiovascular disease, and stroke during pregnancy in order to better define the relationship between migraines and vascular disease.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature using Medline and Cochrane Review with the following search terms: migraine AND pregnancy and vascular disease OR myocardial infarction OR heart disease OR stroke OR cerebrovascular disease OR hypertension in pregnancy. We also reviewed the bibliographies of papers identified in this search to obtain additional relevant studies.

Results

Of the 219 papers obtained with the primary search, we found 17 that were topically relevant. Altogether, there is an increased risk both of gestational hypertension (OR range from 1.23 to 1.68) and preeclampsia (OR range 1.08 to 3.5) in migraineurs compared to nonmigraineurs. In addition, there is an association between an increased risk of ischemic stroke in pregnancy (OR range 7.9 to 30.7), particularly with active migraine. There is also an association between migraine and increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and heart disease (OR 4.9; 95% CI 1.7, 14.2), and thromboembolic events during pregnancy (deep venous thrombosis OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3, 4.2 and pulmonary embolus OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.7, 5.6).

Conclusion

In this review, we summarized the association between migraine and risk of vascular disease during pregnancy, based on the available literature. Given the limited amount of data, more research on these associations is needed to determine which women with migraine may be at risk while pregnant.