Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of migraine patients and the effect of treatment on their quality of life

Abstract

Background:
Migraine is a common neurological disorder that negatively affects quality of life and daily functioning. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic characteristics, clinical features, triggering factors, and treatment response of patients with migraine.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 152 migraine patients (136 females, 16 males), aged between 15 and 55 years, who presented to the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, were prospectively evaluated. The diagnosis of migraine was made according to the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria. Findings were statistically analysed in relation to age, gender, and migraine type.

Results:
The mean age of the patients was 36.7 ± 10.0 years. Migraine was three times more frequent in females, and 54.6% of patients had a positive family history. Headache was unilateral in 63.2% and throbbing in 96.1% of cases; 40% had migraine with aura. The most common accompanying symptoms were photophobia (91.4%), phonophobia (92.8%), and nausea (90.8%). Stress (72.4%) was identified as the most frequent triggering factor. After treatment, a significant reduction in attack severity, frequency, and functional impairment was observed (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:
Migraine occurs most frequently between the ages of 20 and 40 and is more common in women. Positive family history, stress, and hormonal factors play important roles in its pathogenesis. Both prophylactic and acute treatments significantly reduced migraine-related symptoms and functional impairment.

Keywords: Migraine: Clinical and Demographic Characteristics, Symptoms, Triggering Factors, Treatment Effectiveness.