Migraine disease has a higher prevalence in an otolaryngologic cohort than in the general population, according to a recent study, presenting with a high rate of sinonasal and otologic symptoms that may be due to or exacerbated by migraines. In a cross-sectional study utilizing the CHEER (Creating Healthcare Excellence through Education and Research) network, patients were recruited in 14 CHEER sites between June 2015 and March 2017. Those included were aged 18 years or older and had been seen for any concern that was not head and neck cancer. Patients with any history of brain abnormality or headaches that began within 2 weeks of a medical illness, trauma, or head injury were excluded. If they screened positive on the Migraine Assessment Tool (MAT+), the subjects also filled out questionnaires for sinonasal, otologic, and migraine-specific symptoms. Researchers found:
- Of 1458 patients screened, 235 (16.1%) screened positive for migraine (MAT+), which is higher than the general population (13%).
- The MAT+ group was significantly younger (47.2 vs 55.6 years of age) and predominantly women (80.0% vs 55.9%).
Patterns of migraine disease in otolaryngology: A CHEER network study. [Published online ahead of print March 20, 2018]. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. doi:10.1177/0194599818764387.