Chronic vs. Episodic Migraine: Impact on Life and Work
- MigraineMind
- Dec 18, 2025
- 1 min read
Research Summary
The PopHEAD study, published in Cephalalgia, explored the disease burden and quality of life differences between high-frequency episodic migraine and chronic migraine. Conducted in Norway, the study included 8,265 participants, with 225 having high-frequency episodic migraine and 349 chronic migraine. Findings revealed the chronic migraine group experienced more monthly migraine (18 vs. 10) and headache days (21 vs. 10), along with increased acute medication use. They reported greater work and social impairment and a lower quality of life. However, when adjusted for monthly migraine days, only days missed from household work remained significantly different. This supports simplifying chronic migraine criteria based on monthly 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.