Australians experiencing migraines may soon see improved treatment options thanks to newly released international guidelines. The George Institute for Global Health in Sydney has highlighted a shift in migraine management recommendations, suggesting that the target for reducing migraine days should rise from the traditional benchmark of 50 per cent to as high as 90 or even 100 per cent.
Historically, a reduction of 50 per cent in migraine days per month has been viewed as a successful outcome, with a lower threshold of 30 per cent for those with chronic or more challenging symptoms. In Australia, approximately 4.9 million individuals suffer from migraines, with women comprising a significant 72 per cent of this demographic. The overall economic impact of migraines on the nation is estimated to be around $35.7 billion annually.
Dr Faraidoon Haghdoost, a research fellow at The George Institute, emphasises the need for updated recommendations that align migraine management with other chronic conditions, such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. He expresses optimism regarding new treatments that have demonstrated consistent effectiveness in both clinical trials and real-world applications. These advancements offer hope for reducing the disability associated with migraines, allowing sufferers to potentially live without the constant anxiety surrounding their next episode.
The International Headache Society (IHS), of which Dr Haghdoost is a contributor, supports these elevated treatment goals based on promising developments in migraine therapies. Currently, Australian patients must document at least 15 headache days per month to qualify for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) reimbursement for novel treatments. Haghdoost advocates for the expansion of these criteria to include patients with fewer than 15 headache days, which could yield improved outcomes and lessen the strain on both individuals and the healthcare system.
These recommendations mark a significant step forward in the bid to manage migraines more effectively, paving the way for a future where migraine-related disabilities can be substantially alleviated.