Migraine care in Kuwait and the Arabic Gulf region

Introduction Migraine has a substantial disease burden in Kuwait and Arabic Gulf countries. We aimed to report the epidemiology and burden of migraine, health system organization, barriers to migraine care, treatment patterns, and unmet needs to improve migraine care in Arabic Gulf countries. Results Migraine is the top disabler of all neurological conditions among all ages in this region. The healthcare infrastructure is generally well-developed, with access to both public and private healthcare services. In public service, patients with migraine are managed by a network of healthcare professionals composed of three levels: primary care physicians, general neurology clinics, and headache clinics. Subjects with migraine have access to a broad spectrum of migraine medications, including over-the-counter pain relief and prescription drugs like triptans. Advanced treatments such as onabotulinumtoxinA injections and monoclonal antibodies that focus on calcitonin gene-related peptide are also offered. Many migraine subjects explore alternative therapies that are rooted in traditional practices. Public awareness of migraine is growing in the Arabic Gulf countries, aimed at reducing stigma and improving understanding. There is a need to improve the education of general practitioners and increase the number of headache specialists in addition to improving the role of nurses in caring for migraine patients. Conclusion Modern medical practices, traditional beliefs, and a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape shape migraine in the Arabic Gulf countries. Subjects with migraine are encouraged to seek medical advice, explore treatment options suited to their needs, and actively participate in educational initiatives to better manage their condition.