Perspective of Adolescents with Migraine: A Survey Based Study

Introduction Pediatric migraine, the leading cause of years lived with disability among adolescents, affects 62% of this population, making it a widespread and debilitating disorder. Numerous studies highlight the link between increased patient engagement and improved health outcomes. However, pediatric engagement presents unique challenges, including ethical considerations, the patient's capacity for clinical decision-making, and parental preferences. This study seeks to guide physicians in prioritizing the assessment and enhancement of patient involvement and health literacy in the management of pediatric migraine. Methods Children aged 12–19 years with a confirmed diagnosis of migraine were recruited from the headache clinic at Children’s Hospital of Michigan (CHM) and the CHM neurology clinic in Troy, MI. Participants independently completed a survey evaluating their knowledge of their diagnosis, the names, doses, and side effects of both daily and acute medications, common comorbidities, and whether they had conducted independent research on migraines. A PedMIDAS evaluation was also administered to assess degree of disability. Results Data collection is ongoing, and results will be finalized and presented at the symposium. Conclusions Encouraging pediatric engagement is a critical component of quality clinical care. By assessing current levels of pediatric involvement, identifying factors influencing engagement, and addressing gaps in health knowledge, targeted strategies can be developed to enhance participation among pediatric patients. This, in turn, can improve patient outcomes and reduce the daily burden of migraines and other chronic conditions.