Assessment of Prescription Trends, Quality of Life, and Adverse Drug Reactions in Migraine Management: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Objective: To assess the prescription patterns in migraine patients, evaluate the impact of migraine on their quality of life, and identify and report any adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Background: Migraine is a common neurological illness characterized by the release of inflammatory chemicals in the brain, leading to pain in the cranial area. It predominantly affects individuals between the ages of 35 and 45, with a higher incidence among females. Various symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, are observed in migraine patients. The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but factors like genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, and lifestyle triggers play a role. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Parul Sevashram Hospital over a 10 months. In this study patients were enrolled form the inpatients and outpatient department of neurology to assess the prescription patterns, quality of life, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among migraine patients. Data was collected from patients' case sheets and prescriptions. The HIT-6 scale and Migraine Specific Quality of Life (MSQoL) Questionnaire were used to evaluate quality of life, and ADRs were recorded using the CDSCO reporting form. Results: A total of 153 patients with migraine were included in the study, with a higher The age group of 26-40 years had the highest number of migraine patients (41%). Naproxen and Domperidone were the most frequently prescribed drugs, accounting for 86.27% of all prescriptions, followed closely by Flunarizine (54.90%) in preventive treatment. Conclusion: This study highlights the higher prevalence of migraines among females, emphasizing the need for gender-specific management strategies. Common prescriptions include naproxen, domperidone, and flunarizine, with NSAIDs and antiemetics prevailing. Quality of life assessments show moderate scores, varying by age, gender, and pain intensity, with males reporting higher scores in certain domains, suggesting gender-specific coping mechanisms. The findings underscore the complexity of migraine management and advocate for personalized approaches tailored to individual patient needs.