Adapting to life with chronic migraine: a qualitative study of lived experiences among multi-ethnic Asian patients - Report - MDSpire

Adapting to life with chronic migraine: a qualitative study of lived experiences among multi-ethnic Asian patients

  • By

  • Yasmin Idu Jion

  • Jun Ying Hor

  • Jun Zhi Teh

  • Yi Jing Zhao

  • Chai Ching Ng

  • Jiao Jiao Dang

  • Nijanth Manohararaj

  • Chew Seah Tan

  • Sungwon Yoon

  • July 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Navigating Chronic Migraine: Insights from a Qualitative Study

Overview

This qualitative study explores the burden of chronic migraine from the perspectives of multi-ethnic Asian patients. Key themes include the long-term impact of migraine, stigma, healthcare navigation challenges, and efforts to regain agency.

Background

Chronic migraine significantly affects quality of life and productivity, with a prevalence of 0.5%–5% globally. Despite its impact, chronic migraine remains poorly managed, particularly in Asia, where awareness and treatment options are limited.

Data Highlights

No numerical data was provided in the article.

Key Findings

  • Participants reported physical, psychosocial, and financial consequences disrupting daily roles.
  • Stigma and the invisibility of chronic migraine compounded the burden experienced by patients.
  • Efforts to regain agency included lifestyle modifications and complementary therapies.
  • Limited treatment options and persistent uncertainty were common themes among participants.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider the psychosocial aspects of chronic migraine and the stigma faced by patients.

Conclusion

This study provided insights into the lived experience of chronic migraine among multi-ethnic Asian patients.

Related Resources & Content

  1. DIGITAL HEALTH, Source, 2023 -- The quality and reliability of short videos about migraine on Chinese social Media platforms (BiliBili and TikTok): A cross-sectional study
  2. Frontiers in Pain Research, Source, 2023 -- “Too little, too late”: a qualitative exploration of the unique pain management unmet needs of young adults with migraine
  3. Frontiers in Neurology, Source, 2023 -- Delphi consensus on the real-world application of the updated diagnostic and treatment guidelines for migraine in Asia Pacific
  4. Drugs - Real World Outcomes — Factors Influencing the Limited Effectiveness of Acute Migraine Treatments in Japan: Findings from the OVERCOME (Japan) Observational Study on Migraine Epidemiology, Treatment, and Care
  5. ICHD-3
  6. Current landscape of migraine care with expert consensus from East Asia
  7. Efficacy and safety of eptinezumab in a predominantly Asian population with chronic migraine
  8. International Headache Society Global Practice Recommendations for Preventive Pharmacological Treatment of Migraine - PubMed
  9. Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of migraine - PubMed
  10. December 2025 exceptional surveillance of headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management (NICE guideline CG150)
  11. New treatments for migraine: CGRP monoclonal antibodies, gepants, and ditans | The BMJ
  12. Efficacy and safety of CGRP monoclonal antibodies in chronic migraine: a systematic review integrating randomized and real-world evidence - PMC
  13. Decoding the long-term safety of anti-CGRP (receptor) mAbs: a meta-analysis and systematic review - PMC
  14. Increased infection risk in patients on preventive CGRP-targeting therapies– a meta-analysis and clinical effect assessment | The Journal of Headache and Pain | Springer Nature Link
  15. Dual-mechanism preventive therapy in chronic migraine: an exploratory meta-analysis of onabotulinumtoxinA and anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody combination | European Journal of Medical Research | Springer Nature Link

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