Migraine is one of the most significant diseases that impairs the functional capacity of working-age people. A 2019 study (Korolainen et al.) provides comprehensive information on its effects in Finland.
Research objective and data
The aim of the study was to determine:
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burden of disease caused by migraine in working-age people
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connection with the use of health services and sick leave
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comorbidities in migraine patients
The data used were Terveystalo's electronic patient records from 2012–2017. All patients with a migraine diagnosis (ICD-10 G43*) (n = 17,623) and a corresponding age- and gender-standardized control group were included.
Key results
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The prevalence of migraine 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 migraines worsened and preventive medication was changed, the number of visits and absences increased significantly.
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Only a small proportion of visits and sick leave were directly related to migraine – the majority were related to other symptoms and comorbidities
The impact of migraine on work
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Without preventive medication: average 13.8 visits and 16.8 days of absence per patient year
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After three preventive drug changes: average 26.2 visits and 30.4 days of absence per patient year
Comorbidities in migraine patients
Migraine patients were found to have 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 was on preventive medication or had multiple medication changes.
Conclusions
Research shows that migraine poses a significant additional burden to both healthcare and society. Increased healthcare visits, sick leave and comorbidities highlight the need for:
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for early and correct diagnosis of migraine
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for effective treatment
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for the prevention of migraine exacerbations and associated diseases
Severe and treatment-resistant migraine in particular significantly increases costs and burden.
Markku Nissilä, neurology specialist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How common is migraine in working-age Finns?
According to the study, the prevalence of migraine was 4.8–6.3% of working-age people, and 79% of patients were women.
How much does migraine increase sick leave?
Migraine patients had an average of 1.8 times more days off work per year than controls. In severe, treatment-resistant migraine, the number of days off work per year was even more than 30.
What comorbidities were found 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 health care visits than controls. In particular, the need to switch preventive medication significantly increased the number of visits.
What conclusions were drawn from the study?
Migraine poses a significant burden of disease for both the individual and society. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and prevention of comorbidities are important in migraine management.