Management of chronic migraine with medication overuse by web-based behavioral program during the COVID-19 emergency: results at 12 months

Abstract

Background: The study had been initiated because of restrictions put in place to control the spread of coronavirus in Milan in March 2020 that impacted clinical activities at our tertiary headache center in Milan (Foundation IRCSS Carlo Besta Neurological Institute). Treatment efforts were modified to make use of telephonic and internet communication to maintain care of our patients.

Methods: Nineteen patients had undergone our withdrawal protocol for medication overuse headache and were scheduled for follow-up that included pharmacological prophylaxis combined with behavioral therapy and mindfulness, generally performed in small group face-to-face sessions. A behavioral program was organized for them by technology modality (smartphone) due to the pandemic restrictions.

Results: The results concern 12-month follow-up. The clinical indexes showed migraine days per month 20.6 (± 6) pre vs 11.2 (± 3.1 at 12 months); medications intake per month 19.4 (± 5.8) pre vs 9.0 (± 4.6) at 12 months; MIDAS 67.7 (± 52.6) pre vs 71.1 (± 60) at 12 months; HIT-6 66.2 (± 5.3) pre vs 62.2 (± 5.9).

Conclusion: The present study confirmed literature data, supporting the behavioral approach combined to traditional therapies as a novel method to follow patients and guarantee their benefit, also when applied using technology by telemedicine or smartphone.