Migraine is one of the most significant diseases that impairs the functional capacity of working-age individuals. A 2019 study (Korolainen et al.) provides comprehensive information on its effects in Finland.
Study Objective and Data
The study aimed to investigate:
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the disease burden of migraine in working-age individuals
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the connection to healthcare service utilization and sick leaves
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comorbidities in migraine patients
The data used consisted of Terveystalo's electronic patient records from 2012–2017. It included all patients diagnosed with migraine (ICD-10 G43*) (n = 17,623) and a corresponding age- and gender-matched control group.
Key Findings
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Migraine prevalence was 4.8–6.3%
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79% of migraine patients were women
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Migraine patients had, on average, 1.7 times more healthcare visits and 1.8 times more sick leave days per year than controls
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As migraine worsened and prophylactic medication was changed, the number of visits and absences clearly increased
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Only a small portion of visits and sick leaves were directly related to migraine – the majority were related to other symptoms and comorbidities
Impact of Migraine on Work Capacity
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Without prophylactic medication: an average of 13.8 visits and 16.8 sick leave days per patient-year
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After three prophylactic medication changes: an average of 26.2 visits and 30.4 sick leave days per patient-year
Comorbidities in Migraine Patients
Migraine patients had significantly more comorbidities than controls.
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Depression 13%
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Anxiety 14%
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Sleep disorders 17%
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Acute respiratory infections over 70%
Comorbidities became even more common if the patient had prophylactic medication or multiple medication changes.
Conclusions
The study shows that migraine causes a significant additional burden on both healthcare and society. Increased healthcare visits, sick leaves, and comorbidities highlight the need for:
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early and correct diagnosis of migraine
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effective treatment
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prevention of migraine worsening and comorbidities
Especially severe and treatment-resistant migraine significantly increases costs and burden.
Markku Nissilä, specialist in neurology
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How common is migraine among working-age Finns?
According to the study, the prevalence of migraine was 4.8–6.3% of working-age individuals, and 79% of patients were women.
How much does migraine increase sick leaves?
Migraine patients had, on average, 1.8 times more sick leave days per year than controls. In severe, treatment-resistant migraine, sick leave days were even over 30 per year.
What comorbidities were observed in migraine patients?
The most common comorbidities were depression (13%), anxiety (14%), sleep disorders (17%), and acute respiratory infections (over 70%).
Why does migraine burden healthcare?
Migraine patients had, on average, 1.7 times more healthcare visits than controls. The need to change prophylactic medication, in particular, significantly increased the number of visits.
What conclusions were drawn from the study?
Migraine causes a significant disease burden for both individuals and society. Early diagnosis, correct treatment, and prevention of comorbidities are important in managing migraine.