Monash University is launching an Australian-first study which aims to capture the “burden of migraines” in the community.
The pilot study will investigate headaches which are caused by overusing medication, while also looking into migraine prevalence and management.
Until now, comprehensive migraine data has not been collected in Australia, despite the serious effect it has on so many lives.
Based on international studies, an estimated 4.9 million Australians live with migraines.
The study aims to fill this gap in migraine knowledge by determining the most efficient way to capture its prevalence, burden, and treatment gaps in the community.
Alfred neurologist and Monash University research fellow Dr Emma Foster will lead the study with Professor Alessandro Zagami from Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital and the University of New South Wales.
“There are no robust, population-based studies that capture prevalence and burden of migraine in Australia,” she said.
“A dedicated study is needed to capture data across the whole country.”
According to the researchers, local data is urgently needed to accurately characterise the extent of this major public health issue in Australia.
As a result, the research team have designed a questionnaire which will be mailed to 20,000 randomly selected households in Victoria and New South Wales.
The questionnaire asks participants whether they experience migraine, and if yes, how much it impacts them, and what treatments they use.
Their responses will inform the design of a future, nationwide mailout study.
The researchers encourage all those who receive a questionnaire to participate, including those living without migraine.
“This pilot study will provide crucial information to guide the design of a future, nationwide study, planned for 2024, that will comprehensively capture migraine prevalence, burden, and treatment gaps,” Dr Foster said.
“These critical data will direct future healthcare priorities, improve access to treatments, and bring impactful change to individuals, their families, and our communities.”
Results are expected later this year.
Details: monash.edu/ahead-study
