Health Union—the company behind Migraine.com—released its annual report Migraine in America, which details their latest survey data of more than 3,900 people with migraine and offers some incredible insight into the condition that affects nearly 40 million people in the United States alone. Here are four key takeaways from the report worth noting.

Symptoms often come before diagnosis, and they start early

It’s frequently reported that migraine is underdiagnosed and undertreated, with more than half of patients never receiving a proper diagnosis. This report reinforces that message by highlighting the prevalence of symptoms experienced by respondents (61%) before adulthood, defined here as 19 years of age or younger. Although nearly two-thirds had symptoms during childhood and adolescence, only 26% were actually diagnosed. This confirms the findings of numerous other studies that show a difficulty in identifying migraine in children due to variable frequency, severity, and duration of attacks as well as specific symptoms associated with it.

There are a wide range of symptoms

One of the most common misconceptions about migraine is that it is simply “just a headache.” The reality, as evidenced by this survey, is there are a multitude of symptoms that can be associated with migraine, but they can vary by person and by attack. These include: sensitivity to light and sound (the two most common after head pain among this sample at 89% and 83% respectively), fatigue, brain fog, nausea or vomiting, stiff neck, and everything in between. In addition, more than half of respondents acknowledged that these symptoms can vary across attacks both in terms of mix and severity, making no single episode easily predictable.

The hard truth about over-the-counter treatments

Almost 95% of respondents had tried over-the-counter medications yet less than half still use them today, showing a particular variability in their effectiveness for people with migraine. Prescription medication fared better but was utilized less frequently among those surveyed. This further shows why it is so important for patients to visit their doctors and/or headache specialists to obtain proper diagnoses and explore prescription-based options. Additionally, as the study notes, the interest in alternative therapies—such as caffeine, magnesium, dark room, and exercise—may signal the “perceived lack of effectiveness” of these over-the-counter medications and the need for more comprehensive treatment plans that do not rely solely on medicinal options.

The financial and emotional costs are very real

Many in the health industry often look at the direct costs associated with specific disorders, but it is often the indirect and emotional costs that can be even more telling. For instance, more than 80% stated that their condition negatively impacted one or more of the following areas: ability to work; relationship with significant other; ability to continue on in their education; and relationship with children. Two-thirds reported feeling that others do not understand the condition while more than 40% acknowledged that they hide their migraines from others. This shows that the stigma of migraine is a very real phenomenon and reflects the significant toll the condition takes on the quality of people’s lives. Thankfully, there are numerous advocates working tirelessly to shed light on the condition through online and social community building as well as through dedicated research that advances our awareness and understanding.

Were than any surprising findings for you in this report? Let us know in the comments below and don't forget to download our free e-book for more information about the impact of light on migraine and other conditions.