[Migraine--the repercussions on functioning and quality of life, treatment and the doctor-patient relationship in Israel].
BACKGROUND
Migraines are a common illness affecting the functioning and quality of life of its sufferers. Research indicates that doctors tend to underrate the severity of this ailment and as such, do not always provide an adequate solution, including specific migraine treatment.


OBJECTIVE
The survey aimed to examine the repercussions of migraines on functioning, quality of life, widespread treatment of the disease and the doctor-patient relationship in Israel.


METHODS
The survey was conducted by means of a telephone poll consisting of 200 women suffering from migraines and treated with drugs.


RESULTS
It was found that migraines, despite current treatment, impair the patient's functioning, lead to work absenteeism (51%) and have a negative effect on social life and leisure activities (80%). To our surprise, only half of the patients complained of their migraine attacks to their family physician, less than half of them (48%) take prescription drugs and only 10% are treated with medication prescribed specifically for migraines (Triptan).


CONCLUSIONS
This survey shows that in Israel there is room for improvement in each one of the examined fields for the well-being of the patient, the patient's family, social environment and work place.
Hering-Hanit
Rachel
R
Headache Clinic, Neurology Department, Meir Hospital, Kfar Saba. hering@post.tau.ac.il
D000041:Absenteeism; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011788:Quality of Life; D012919:Social Behavior