Development and testing of the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) Questionnaire to assess headache-related disability

The MIDAS Questionnaire was developed to measure headache-related disability in migraine patients. It consists of five questions focused on activity limitations over the past 3 months. Researchers evaluated its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity in migraine sufferers. They conducted separate population-based studies to assess these factors. Additionally, 49 physicians rated the questionnaire's face validity, ease of use, and clinical utility. The test-retest reliability showed a Pearson correlation coefficient of about 0.8. The MIDAS score correlated well with a diary-based measure of disability at 63%. Furthermore, it aligned with physicians' assessments of the need for medical care at 69%. Overall, the MIDAS Questionnaire demonstrated internal consistency, reliability, and strong validity. These attributes support its use in clinical settings. Using the MIDAS Questionnaire can enhance communication between physicians and patients about headache-related disabilities, improving health-care delivery for migraine sufferers. Clinical relevance: This research indicates the MIDAS Questionnaire can enhance communication between physicians and migraine patients.