Assessing Functional Impairment During and Between Migraine Attacks

Migraine can result in functional impairment both during and between attacks. Disability due to migraine is often underestimated in clinical practice, and patients often are unaware of the various therapeutic options available. As a result, patients remain undertreated, especially with regard to preventive medications. To improve migraine management, nurse practitioners treating patients with migraine should aim to ascertain the full burden of migraine by assessing patients' impairment both during and between attacks. This article discusses the total impact of migraine, communication strategies designed to promote greater disclosure and understanding of the degree of migraine-related disability, and preventive treatment options.