Upping the Migraine Intelligence Quotient:

Headache disorders including migraine are highly prevalent globally, estimated to affect more than 50% of the population at any point and time. In the U.S., migraine patients spend an average of $9,000 more than those without the diagnosis. Prevalence estimates in the U.S. range between 12% to 16% of the population, with a predominance in females afflicted with the condition and variation of occurrence across race and ethnicity.

For patients diagnosed with migraine, healthcare provider specialty utilization could correlate to certain populations and selected treatment pathways. It is also reported that patients who do not receive appropriate treatment access the health system to a greater extent. Regardless of social determinants of health (SDOH), these patients are at higher risk for developing co-occurring conditions.

Lastly, drug intolerance, non-response, or non-preference could have a race or ethnicity-specific driver to more complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies resulting in better management of migraine and less utilization of acute management. Migraine is a costly, prevalent condition and as such life sciences companies and healthcare providers are constantly looking for ways to better treat this common condition.

Leaders at these healthcare organizations, however, need more intelligence to better meet the challenges associated with treating the scores of people who suffer from migraine headaches. Claims data can provide insights needed to further hone migraine treatment.