Disability and migraine: MIDAS

Migraine is an heterogeneous disorder. Most patients are disabled both in work and in non–work activities. Different instruments to assess migraine–related disability have been developed. Among these, the migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire is the most studied. Population–based studies have shown that MIDAS is a simple but reliable and scientifically sound instrument. This instrument improves patient–physician communication. It can help healthcare professionals to understand migraine severity in individual patients, and rapidly assess treatment needs (screening instrument). Furthermore, reduction in headache–related disability is a major goal of migraine treatment. Change in MIDAS score after treatment intervention may be a useful end point, both in everyday practice and in clinical trials. Ongoing studies will confirm the potential of MIDAS as a valid outcome measure.