The epidemiology of migraine.
To obtain accurate estimates of migraine prevalence, population-based studies are required. Clinic-based studies include a highly selected group of migraine sufferers. Even in population-based studies, there have been wide variations in estimates of migraine prevalence. A meta-analysis has shown that age, gender and case definition account for 70% of this variance. Recent studies using International Headache Society (IHS) diagnostic criteria have given relatively consistent estimates of migraine prevalence (about 15-18% of women and 6% of men) and indicate that migraine occurs most commonly in men and women aged 25-55 years. Migraine is a heterogeneous condition with a spectrum of severity and associated disability, and it is under-diagnosed worldwide.
Lipton
R B
RB
Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, N.Y. 10467.
Stewart
W F
WF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology