Patients Voicing Key Needs for Migraine Care and Advocacy: Elizabeth W. Leroux, MD, FRCPC

WATCH TIME: 5 minutes

"The key messages were about empowerment, breaking down stigma, seeking care, gaining access to care, and continuing to try new treatment options. I think this is an encouragement for us that, first, our strategic plan is good—so we’ll keep working."

Prior research has reported that migraine affects approximately between 8.3% and 10.2% of Canadians, with the highest prevalence observed during prime working years. It is also known as a leading cause of disability in those aged under 50 years.¹ The condition can carry a substantial humanistic and economic burden because of its association with chronic conditions, reduced work productivity, and increased health care use. Both pharmacological treatments and nonpharmacological approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise, have been shown to help alleviate symptoms and improve health-related quality of life.

At the 2025 American Headache Society (AHS) Annual Meeting, held June 19-22, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Elizabeth W. Leroux, MD, FRCPC, presented findings from a qualitative analysis of survey responses from 1119 Canadians living with migraine.² Participants in the survey offered personal messages and advice directed toward 3 key groups which included young individuals beginning their migraine journey, health care professionals, and policy makers. In the session, Leroux highlighted common patient-driven themes such as the need for compassionate care, greater recognition of migraine as a serious condition, and improved access to treatment.

Leroux, a neurologist and headache specialist at the Montreal Neurological Clinic, sat down for an interview with NeurologyLive^® during the meeting to provide greater depth on the results from the nationwide survey. In the conversation, she noted that the survey captured both quantitative and qualitative data. She talked about the common themes that the open-ended responses revealed from the survey, offering insights into the importance of listening to patient voices and using their lived experiences to inform clinical practice, advocacy efforts, and health policy planning.

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REFERENCES
1. Tam ACT, Naik H, Trenaman L, Lynd L, Zhang W. Health-related quality of life among women and men living with migraine: a Canada-wide cross-sectional study. J Headache Pain. 2024;25(1):170. Published 2024 Oct 9. doi:10.1186/s10194-024-01882-4
2. Leroux EW. A thematic analysis of 1119 Canadian livings with migraine: advice and key messages for young people with migraine, health care providers, and policy makers. Presented at: 2025 AHS Annual Meeting; June 19-22; Minneapolis, MN. OR-08.