MigraineMind research summary
Profile of migraine patients in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: a multi-center study.
J Headache Pain | 2026
Observational studySummary
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces unique migraine challenges. This study examined differences between migraine patients in low-/lower-middle-income and high-/upper-middle-income countries. It included 676 adult migraine patients across 12 MENA countries. Patients from low-income countries had longer delays from headache onset to diagnosis. The average delay was 6 years in low-income countries compared to 1 year in high-income countries. Chronic migraine was more common in low-income areas at 44% versus 21% in wealthier regions. Medication-overuse headache also affected 39% of patients in low-income areas versus 15% in high-income areas. Access to medications was more limited in low-income countries, with 79% paying out-of-pocket compared to 42% in high-income countries. Adherence to medication was lower in low-income countries at 52% versus 79%. This research highlights significant disparities in migraine management across the MENA region. Clinical relevance: This study reveals significant disparities in migraine management, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in low-income regions.
Key Learning Points
- Migraine patients in low-income countries often wait much longer for a diagnosis, averaging six years compared to just one year in wealthier regions.
- Chronic migraine is significantly more prevalent in low-income areas, affecting 44% of patients compared to 21% in higher-income regions.
- Medication-overuse headache is a common issue, impacting 39% of patients in low-income countries versus 15% in high-income countries.
- Access to medications is severely limited in low-income countries, with 79% of patients paying out-of-pocket for treatment.
- Adherence to prescribed migraine medications is lower in low-income areas, with only 52% of patients consistently taking their medications compared to 79% in wealthier regions.
Original research
Read the original publication and review its full methods and findings on PubMed.
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