Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Migraine in Latvia

The aim of this study was to explore clinical-epidemiological characteristics of migraine in Latvia and the disability of migraine patients, to determine the optimal options for care of these patients. Patients selected from three headache centres were asked 40 questions by phone. Among 116 patients, the dominant age group was 25-34 (41.4%) and most patients were women (87.9%). 52.6% of patients were highly educated, and 53.4% had a job involving communication with people. In 56.9% of cases headaches started at the age of 15-24. About 25% migraine attacks lasted for 25-48 hours. The diagnosis "Migraine with aura" was confirmed in 50% of the patients. Headaches were quite frequent: 4-8 times a month or more in 22.4% of patients and 2-4 times a month in 29.3%. As medication, 50.9% used selective serotonin 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine) receptor agonists for migraine attacks treatment, 35.3%-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and 30.2%-acetaminophen-containing medicines. The average quality of life estimated by migraine disability assessment questionnaire (MIDAS) was 13.0, which equates to moderate disability. According to our study clinical characteristics of migraine in Latvia do not differ significantly from that of other European countries. Most of the patients are educated, working women of childbearing age. Migraine diagnosis and treatment seems to be appropriate, but nevertheless, too many sufferers have frequent and persistent headache attacks that require further investigation.