OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between insufficient response to prescribed acute migraine treatment and headache-related patient disability and work productivity, and identify clinical differences between these patients and those achieving optimal response to acute treatment.

METHODS: Data were collected in China from January to June 2014 as part of the Adelphi Migraine Disease Specific Programme™, a point-in-time survey. Internists/neurologists provided patient record forms and clinical data for nine consecutively consulting patients with migraine. Patients were invited to complete a questionnaire, which included the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaires. Patients defined as treatment insufficient responders (TIRs) reported pain freedom within 2 hours of taking their acute treatment in ≤3/5 migraine attacks; treatment responders (TRs) reported pain freedom within 2 hours in ≥4/5 attacks. T-tests and Fisher’s exact tests were performed.

RESULTS: The analysis included 777 patients prescribed acute migraine treatment (TIRs n=342, 44%; TRs n=435, 56%). TIRs experienced fewer migraine days per month, on average, compared to TRs (2.8 vs 3.1; p<0.05). TIRs were more likely to be diagnosed with migraine with aura (24% vs. 13% for TIRs vs. TRs, respectively; p<0.05), and experience unilateral pain (80% vs. 73%; p<0.05), sensitivity to smell (18% vs. 9%; p<0.05), and visual aura/sight disturbance (13% vs. 8%; p<0.05). TIRs had a significantly higher overall MIDAS score (6.6 vs 5.5; p<0.05), indicating greater disability. Compared with TR, TIRs experienced greater work productivity and activity impairment (presenteeism impairment, 64% vs. 50% for TIRs vs. TRs; overall work impairment, 66% vs. 53%; overall activity impairment, 59% vs. 49%; all p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Headache-related patient disability and work productivity were significantly impacted in TIRs versus TRs in this real-world analysis of patients with migraine in China, indicating a need for more effective acute treatments for patients experiencing insufficient response.