Chronic vs. Episodic Migraine: Impact and Quality of Life
- MigraineMind
- Dec 18, 2025
- 1 min read
Research Summary
A recent study published in Cephalalgia examined the burden of high-frequency episodic migraine versus chronic migraine using data from the PopHEAD study in Norway. Out of 8,265 participants, 225 had high-frequency episodic migraine and 349 had chronic migraine. Findings revealed the chronic migraine group experienced more monthly migraine days (18 vs. 10) and greater medication use. Despite adjustments for age and sex, chronic migraine sufferers reported higher work and social impairment and lower quality of life. However, when adjusting for migraine days, differences largely vanished, except for household work days missed. This supports simplifying chronic migraine criteria to focus on migraine days.
Study Details
👥 Research Team: Engstrand H et al.
📚 Published In: Cephalalgia
📅 Publication Date: 2025 Dec
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This summary is generated automatically from recent migraine research. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical advice.