Yu‑Ming Chena,b*, Jen‑Hung Wangc
aDepartment of Neurology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan, bSchool of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, cDepartment of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
Open Access funded by Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
Abstract
Objectives: This study investigated the clinical characteristics, lifestyle, and psychological factors of patients with chronic migraine in Eastern Taiwan, a region with limited healthcare accessibility and a distinct demographic profile. Preventive medication use and exercise participation were treated as modifiable factors for improving migraine management. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary medical center in Eastern Taiwan. The medical records of patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with chronic migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition, between July 2023 and August 2024 were reviewed. Data on demographic characteristics, migraine features, preventive medication use, and regular exercise were collected. Disability, sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and cognitive function were assessed using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Mini‑Mental State Examination. Results: This study included 50 patients (86% women; mean age, 43.60 ± 13.77 years), of which, only 24% received preventive medications. No significant sex differences in migraine severity, weekly exercise duration, psychological measures, or preventive medication use were observed. Overall, 66% of the patients did not engage in regular exercise. Additionally, 66% reported severe migraine‑related disability (MIDAS ≥ 21), with high rates of comorbid anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Chronic migraine is associated with substantial physical and psychological burdens. The underutilization of preventive medications and low exercise participation are key modifiable gaps in care. Therefore, interdisciplinary collaboration that addresses optimizing preventive medication utilization, promoting regular exercise, and supporting mental health may help identify comprehensive strategies to improve patient care.
Keywords: Chronic migraine, Epidemiological study, Exercise, Preventive medication
