Estimation of migraine prevalence considering active and inactive states across different age groups

Global, regional, and national burden and trends of migraine among youths and young adults aged 15-39 years from 1990 to 2021: findings from the global burden of disease study 2021

BACKGROUND

Migraine, a widespread neurological condition, substantially affects the quality of life, particularly for adolescents and young adults. While its impact is significant, there remains a paucity of comprehensive global research on the burden of migraine in younger demographics. Our study sought to elucidate the global prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with migraine in the 15-39 age group from 1990 to 2021, utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study.

METHODS

Our comprehensive study analyzed migraine data from the GBD 2021 report, examining the prevalence, incidence, and DALYs across 204 countries and territories over a 32-year span. We stratified the information by age, sex, year, geographical region, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). To evaluate temporal trends in these metrics, we employed the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) calculation.

RESULTS

Between 1990 and 2021, the worldwide prevalence of migraine among 15-39 year-olds increased substantially. By 2021, an estimated 593.8 million cases were reported, representing a 39.52% rise from 425.6 million cases in 1990. Global trends showed increases in age-standardized prevalence rate, incidence rate, and DALY rate for migraine during this period. The EAPC were positive for all three metrics: 0.09 for ASPR, 0.03 for ASIR, and 0.09 for DALY rate. Regions with medium SDI reported the highest absolute numbers of prevalent cases, incident cases, and DALYs in 2021. However, high SDI regions demonstrated the most elevated rates overall. Across the globe, migraine prevalence peaked in the 35-39 age group. Notably, female rates consistently exceeded male rates across all age categories.

CONCLUSION

The global impact of migraine on youths and young adults has grown considerably from 1990 to 2021, revealing notable variations across SDI regions, countries, age groups, and sexes. This escalating burden necessitates targeted interventions and public health initiatives, especially in areas and populations disproportionately affected by migraine.

The long-term effect of work schedule, shift work disorder, insomnia and restless legs syndrome on headache among nurses: A prospective longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

The preset study aimed to explore whether work schedules and sleep disorders predict the onset of headache.

METHODS

A longitudinal study was conducted with questionnaire data from 2014 (baseline) and 2017 (follow-up) on work schedule, number of night shifts, number of quick returns, insomnia, shift work disorder (SWD), restless legs syndrome (RLS) and validated headache diagnoses among 1560 Norwegian nurses. Associations were explored by multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

Work related factors at baseline did not predict onset of headache three years later. In the adjusted logistic regressions, insomnia at baseline predicted increased risk of new onset of migraine (odds ratio (OR) = 1.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-2.33), chronic headache (OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.04-4.66) and medication-overuse headache (OR = 3.79; 95% CI = 1.26-11.42) at follow-up. SWD at baseline predicted new onset of migraine (OR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.07-2.50) and RLS at baseline predicted new onset of headache ≥1 day per month (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.01-2.36) and migraine (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.03-2.32) at follow-up. No factors predicted tension-type headache.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, work related factors did not predict the onset of headache three years later, whereas insomnia, SWD and RLS at baseline all increased the risk of future headaches.

Exploring the Connection between Migraines and Pregnancy: The Impact of Physical Activity on Symptom Management

Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder that significantly impacts the quality of life for affected individuals. The pathogenesis behind migraines is not yet fully understood, but hormonal changes, especially fluctuations in, estrogen and progesterone levels, have a significant role in the susceptibility of women to migraines. Pregnancy introduces a unique set of challenges for women who experience migraines, as they must navigate the complexities of managing their condition while safeguarding the health of both them and their unborn child. Pharmacological options for treating migraines during pregnancy are limited, and, therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative approaches to migraine symptom relief and management. Physical activity during pregnancy provides a range of benefits, and it has gained attention as a potentially valuable tool for alleviating migraine symptoms in pregnant patients. This review explores the intricate relationship between migraines and pregnancy, emphasizing how physical activity and other alternative approaches may influence the frequency, severity, and overall experience of migraines during pregnancy. Through collaboration with healthcare providers and the adoption of personalized management strategies, women can strike a balance that supports both their own well-being and the healthy development of their unborn child. By examining existing research and emerging insights, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and considerations of incorporating physical activity and other treatment options into migraine management strategies for pregnant women. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms linking migraines, pregnancy, and physical activity, enabling the development of more targeted interventions and guidelines.