Questionnaires used to assess the quality of life of patients with migraine and other headache disorders: an integrative review

IntroductionAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), quality of life is an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value system in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns. Despite the subjectivity, quality of life may be measured through some assessment instruments in various diseases, including migraine and other headache disorders. Objective: This study aimed to review the main instruments used to assess the quality of life of patients with migraine and/or other headache disorders. MethodThis was an integrative literature review using articles with historical data on the main instruments used to assess the quality of life of patients with migraine or other headache disorders. ResultsSeven instruments for assessing the quality of life in patients with headache and other disorders were described. They were: Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), Headache Disability Index (HDI), Short Form Health Survey (SF 36), Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ), Migraine Severity (MIGSEV), and Migraine Functional Impact Questionnaire (MFIQ). ConclusionThe quality of life of patients with headache may be compromised, but despite its subjectivity, it can be measured through assessment instruments.