Migraines and headaches are prevalent conditions that affect over a third of the global population, according to a recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine. The research, led by neurology experts from La Trobe University and Western Health, highlights the significant impact of these disorders on individuals worldwide.
The study reveals that modern lifestyles, characterized by stress, sedentary activities, caffeine consumption, alcohol intake, and poor-quality sleep, are common triggers for migraines and headaches. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the burden by introducing additional challenges in headache management, with acute or chronic headaches reported after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination.
With an estimated 2.8 billion people suffering from migraines and headaches globally, the researchers emphasize the need for increased health care funding and recognition of these debilitating conditions. The study also highlights the disproportionate impact on women aged 30-44 and individuals from countries with higher income and better healthcare quality.
The Step4Migraine Walk, an annual event held in Melbourne’s Treasury Gardens, aims to raise awareness and accessibility for migraine sufferers. This event coincides with the study’s findings, which analyzed data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study to provide updated estimates of prevalence and years lived with disability of headache disorders.
While migraines are less common than headaches, they are significantly more disabling. Patients with migraines co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 have reported experiencing more severe pain that is often less responsive to standard treatments. The study emphasizes the need for tailored interventions and resources to reduce the burden of these disorders in the future.
Lead researcher Professor Tissa Wijeratne acknowledges the advancements in diagnostic tools and treatment options for headache disorders but notes that rates are expected to remain high due to the influence of modern risk factors. The limited use of professional healthcare for headaches and the reliance on over-the-counter treatments may hinder significant reductions in prevalence and disability.
The report calls for urgent prioritization of headache disorders in global health agendas to address the pressing public health issue. The researchers suggest that tailored interventions and increased resources could help alleviate the burden of migraines and headaches over the coming decades.
For more information, the study titled “Global, regional, and national burden of headache disorders, 1990–2021, with forecasts to 2050: A Global Burden of Disease study 2021” can be accessed in Cell Reports Medicine. The study underscores the need for greater recognition and support for individuals suffering from migraines and headaches worldwide.
