Management and Burden of Acute Migraine at the Emergency Department in Southwest China: a Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background:Migraine is the most common cause of headache patients for medical consultation to emergency department (ED). However, the management and cost of those patients are less known. Our study aimed to survey detailed diagnosis, clinical characteristics, management, and cost of migraine patients in the emergency department in ChinaMethods:We performed a retrospective study from April 1, 2014, and September 31, 2020, at West China Hospital. This study enrolled patients with migraine diagnoses and analyzed their investigations, medical treatment and cost during their stay at ED. Results:Our study included 300 patients, 77.3% were female and the mean age was 38 years. 36% were conducted cranial CT scan. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the most used at ED. We found that none of the patients received triptans nor prophylaxis medicine. The mean cost of emergency room visits was 57.17USD.Conclusion:Our study found that most migraine patients who came to the ED were not receiving the evidence-based acute treatment. A timely referral system should be established to minimize the disease costs of patients.