Examining the interrelationship of migraine onset, duration, and time to treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate migraines, both longitudinally and cross-sectionally, to understand the impact that time of treatment has on migraine duration and the patients' return to daily functioning. BACKGROUND: Several studies have explored the relationship between migraine treatment and its impact on migraine duration; however, the interrelationship of migraine onset and impact of treatment timing on migraine resolution is not completely understood. DESIGN/METHODS: Five hundred and nine migraineurs completed 1 online baseline survey and a diary survey after each of their next 3 migraines. All subjects were 18 or older and were employed full time. RESULTS: Migraine episodes treated within 1 hour were significantly shorter on average than those treated after 1 hour (9.1 hours vs 12.3 hours) (P < .05). Over-the-counter medication was the most frequently reported first-line treatment (44%) followed by an oral triptan (30%), another prescription medication (14%), and combination therapy (4%). Rescue treatment was reported in 57% of attacks. The majority of over-the-counter (69%) and another prescription (55%) treated attacks required rescue whereas only 39% of first-line triptan attacks required rescue. CONCLUSIONS: Treating migraines early with an oral triptan-containing therapy appears to be a very effective method for reducing migraine duration and preventing the need for additional medication. Our findings also suggest that physicians should spend more time educating patients how to identify migraines early. Understanding the relationship between these key factors will provide insight into appropriate treatment and management of migraines, and more importantly, equip patients with the tools necessary to improve their outcomes and overall impact on functioning.

Generic substitution in the treatment of epilepsy: patient and physician perceptions.

Generic substitution of branded antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has sparked recent debates. We sought to understand perceptions about generic AED substitution and how these guide prescribing. Surveys were conducted among 550 adult patients with self-reported epilepsy and 606 physicians who treat patients with epilepsy. Physicians (88%) were concerned about an increase in breakthrough seizures in patients switched from a brand AED to a generic or among generics. Two-thirds of physicians and 34% of patients have linked breakthrough seizures to generic AED substitution. Physicians (75%) and patients (65%) were also concerned about efficacy. About half of physicians were extremely/very likely to request that brand AEDs not be substituted with a generic. In conclusion, perceptions among physicians and patients do not align with the FDA position that generic AEDs have the same clinical effect and safety profile as branded AEDs. Additional investigation on bioequivalence may help address ongoing concerns and inform policy-making decisions.

Seizure emergency plans: patient results from a cross-sectional epilepsy survey.

Guidance for seizure emergency plans exists, although their impact and extent of use in patients with epilepsy are undetermined. This study's primary purpose was to measure the estimated use and content of seizure emergency plans. Secondary objectives included measuring: disease severity, quality of life, productivity, and adherence among patients with and without a plan. An online survey was conducted among 408 patients with epilepsy (ages 18-64) who took one or more antiepileptic drugs. Only 30% of patients reported having a plan, which included avoiding injury, notifying a physician, resting/relaxing, and seeking emergency assistance. Those with a plan were more likely to have experienced more seizures in the past year, to have missed school/work, to have incurred injury, to have visited the ER, to have been hospitalized, to fear additional seizures, and to have lost a job. Seizure emergency plans appear to be reserved for adults with more severe disease, but there may be clinical benefits to developing a plan for all adult patients with epilepsy.

Association of non-adherence to antiepileptic drugs and seizures, quality of life, and productivity: survey of patients with epilepsy and physicians.

Non-adherence to epilepsy medications can interfere with treatment and may adversely affect clinical outcomes, although few studies have examined this relationship. This study assessed barriers and drivers to adherence, its impact on quality of life, and the importance of the patient-physician relationship to adherence. Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted among 408 adult patients with epilepsy and 175 neurologists who treat epilepsy patients. Twenty-nine percent of patients self-reported being non-adherent to antiepileptic medications in the prior month. Non-adherence was found to be associated with reduced seizure control, lowered quality of life, decreased productivity, seizure-related job loss, and seizure-related motor vehicle accidents. Patient-oriented epilepsy treatment programs and clear communication strategies to promote self-management and patients' understanding of epilepsy are essential to maximizing treatment and quality of life outcomes while also minimizing economic costs.

Assessing the impact of migraine onset on work productivity.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the impact of migraine on work productivity, and particularly the association between time of migraine onset and lost productivity as measured by absenteeism and presenteeism. METHODS: A total of 509 people with migraine completed one online baseline survey and a diary survey after each of their next three migraines. All subjects were 18 or older and employed full time. RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of migraines occurred on a workday. Of these, 68% resulted in some work productivity impact in the form of absenteeism or presenteeism. Migraines occurring during usual sleeping hours or prior to the start of work had the greatest impact on productivity. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that absenteeism and presenteeism are both substantial contributors to work productivity loss. Primary factors associated with lost productivity include pain severity, migraine symptoms, and sleep disturbance.

Adolescent and caregiver experiences with epilepsy.

Epilepsy during adolescence can impede the development of psychosocial independence and typical biological maturational processes. We examined in parallel the experiences and perceptions of adolescent patients with epilepsy and their caregivers. Specifically, we focused on frequency and type of seizures, comorbid conditions, adherence to therapies, productivity, clinical and quality of life consequences of seizures, estimated use and content of seizure emergency plans, and the patient-physician relationship. Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted among 153 adolescent patients with epilepsy and their respective caregivers. A total of 35% of adolescents indicated that they had been nonadherent to antiepileptic medications in the prior month. Adolescents scored significantly lower compared with their peers on quality-of-life measures. Adolescents and caregivers reported similarly on nearly all domains. An adolescent-centered epilepsy management program may help alleviate concerns and also help the adolescent independently manage their epilepsy as they transition into adulthood.

Patient and physician reactions to generic antiepileptic substitution in the treatment of epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: The clinical and economic consequences of generic antiepileptic drug (AED) substitution are not yet fully understood. This article provides a broad perspective of generic AED substitution in five countries. METHODS: Two cross-sectional telephone-based surveys (patient and physician) were undertaken in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Spain. A total of 1409 interviews, 974 patients and 435 physicians, were completed. RESULTS: Across all countries studied, patients and physicians alike have elevated concerns about the safety and efficacy of generic AEDs as compared with drugs for acute care. CONCLUSION: There is an opposition to generic substitution by both patients and physicians, especially with concern over increased breakthrough seizure risk. Further evidence is required to understand how costs and effects of generic AED substitution affect patient welfare.