Characterisation of the management of patients with migraine in the primary care setting in Spain. Analysis of the results of the European My-LIFE anamnesis project.

INTRODUCTION:Migraine affects more than 4.5 million people in Spain, resulting in a considerable socioeconomic impact. Although national and international guidelines have been published, the management of patients with migraine, especially those with chronic migraine, is inadequate. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:We conducted a survey among 40 primary care (PC) physicians in Spain as part of a European project involving 201 physicians from 5 countries. RESULTS:Most participants issued diagnoses of episodic migraine and chronic migraine (93% vs 65%); 82.5% indicated that they did not refer these patients to specialists, and 100% of PC physicians stated that they were responsible for patient follow-up. The main tools used in PC for diagnosis and follow-up were clinical interviews, medical histories, and the patient diaries. Our data revealed that the treatments prescribed were not in accordance with the national and international guidelines. Participants who did not refer patients estimated that only 48% of patients received preventive treatment, and that the assessment of efficacy was based on patient perception. Seventy percent of respondents indicated a need for migraine training. Finally, 100% of participants considered that a guide for medical history taking and referral would be essential or useful for the management of migraine in PC. CONCLUSIONS:The survey results revealed a need for training and guidance in PC to improve the diagnosis and management of patients with migraine, particularly chronic migraine.