Why have we chosen to perform calculations on only 85% of the diagnosed migraineurs and 65% of undiagnosed? These decisions have been made based on the percentage of diagnosed migraineurs already taking triptans (20% of the diagnosed group or about 10% of the overall population) and the severity of head pain experienced by each group. Population-based studies have been used as the basis for these decisions.

Published treatment guidelines indicate triptans are appropriate for first-line therapy in moderate to severe migraines or in mild to moderately severe headaches when nonspecific migraine therapy has failed (AAN, 2000).

See “Evidence-based guidelines for migraine headache, September, 2000” on the American Academy of Neurology Web site for their detailed treatment guidelines.

For an informal summary of the guidelines, click here.

To learn more about treatments for migraineurs, click here.

In the Diagnosed group (Lipton, 2001):

• 90% have severe or extremely severe headaches
• 20% of diagnosed migraineurs (or about 10% of total population) are already on triptan treatment (IMS, 2005)
• 15% are not eligible or will not benefit from triptan treatment
• 15% not eligible = 10% not eligible because headaches not severe enough + 5% will not respond to therapy (Dodick, 2004)
• [100% of diagnosed group – 15% not eligible = 85% available for calculations]

In the Undiagnosed group:

• 70% have severe or extremely severe headaches
• 30% have mild or moderately severe headaches
• 5% will not respond to therapy
• [100% of diagnosed group – (30% with mild or moderately severe headaches + 5% will not respond) = 65% eligible]

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