Prevalence of migraine in Upper Egypt

Background: Migraine is a significant health problem due its frequency and accompanying morbidity. Objectives: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of migraine headache among the population of Al-Quseir city (Upper Egypt) and its impact on the patients' life. Methods: This study is part of a door-to-door survey of major neurological disorders in Al-Quseir city, Red Sea Governorate. All inhabitants (n = 33,285 persons) were screened through door to door by three specialists of neurology. Then, positive cases were subjected to clinical and neurological examination by three staff members of neurology each separately. Respondents were identified as suffering from migraine with aura, migraine without aura, and probable migraine as defined by the diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society (IHS). Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) questionnaire was used to assess the impact of the disease on the patients' daily life. Results: We identified 911 patients suffering from migraine. The lifetime prevalence was 338/100 with male prevalence of 1.95/100 and female prevalence of 4.8/100. The highest prevalence figures were found during early adult life (18-40 years) among both genders reaching a total prevalence of 4.77/100 (2.89/100 for male and 6.53/100 for female). Among migraine patients, most of the attacks recorded were of moderate to severe intensity (97%) although virtually 66% of migraine patients reported that headache significantly interfered with their daily activities. Conclusion: Lifetime prevalence of migraine is 338/100. Migraine headache has a deleterious impact on the patient's functional and wellbeing.