Migraine. Patterns of healthcare use.

Data on use of healthcare from several sources reflect low rates of consultation among migraineurs, many of whom are severely disabled, and limited detection of migraine among those seeking care. Most migraineurs who seek medical care are motivated by the need for pain relief and are initially seen by a general practitioner. Use of healthcare seems to follow a pattern, with a maximum use of services and technology within the first year, followed by a precipitous decrease over the ensuring years. The use of services appears to be concentrated among a small proportion of the migraineurs who seek care. In total volume, the migraineur uses two to five times more healthcare services than nonmigraineurs, reflecting the contribution of comorbidities and help-seeking behavior. Use of emergency departments and sophisticated diagnostic testing appears to be greater in the United States than in other countries. Hospitalization of the migraineur is uncommon and remains costly.