Migraine: Innovation in Treatment, Policy Support, and Patient Perspectives

Summary Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder and a leading cause of disability worldwide. In India, it poses a significant public health challenge, with prevalence estimates ranging from 14% to 28.7%. The objective of the work was to assess the epidemiological burden of migraine in India and critically examine clinical, social, and infrastructural challenges impacting its management and policy support. A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on migraine diagnosis, treatment advances, and policy frameworks. Searches included terms such as “early diagnosis,” “medication overuse headache,” “policy support,” and “novel migraine therapies,” prioritizing systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Expert insights were also incorporated through thematic analysis of discussions from a dedicated migraine session at the 69 th Annual National Conference of the Indian Public Health Association (March 2025, Belagavi). The results demonstrate that migraine affects over 213 million individuals in India, disproportionately impacting women and working-age populations. Current therapeutic approaches lack personalization, and access to innovative treatments remains limited due to regulatory and insurance gaps. Policy neglect and sociocultural stigma exacerbate disease burden. This report highlights the debilitating nature of Migraine and the associated economic loss in India, which remains under-recognized in policy and insurance frameworks. A multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach integrating clinical innovation, policy reform, and mental health support is found to be the need of the hour.