Migraine headaches: Highlights from the American Academy of Neurology 2017 Annual Meeting (AAN 2017) (ACPE)

Migraine headache is the leading condition of recurrent cephalalgias of moderate or severe intensity. It is the most common type of headache presented by patients that seek medical treatment, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked migraine in the top fifteen most disabling medical conditions. The condition has been identified as one of the most common neurological disorders, and in the United States, its prevalence in the general population is approximately 12%.1 In children, the prevalence ranges from 1% to 4% and does not present more commonly in either sex. However, after menarche, its prevalence in females (18%) is approximately three times higher than in males.

Moreover, professional guidelines relating to the classification, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of migraine headaches have been updated recently, and communicating related information to healthcare professionals in a timely manner is a demonstrated need. The literature suggests that practicing healthcare professionals are oftentimes unable to keep up with the steady publishing of literature and evolution of clinical practice, and awareness of professional guidelines is no exception. Recently published guidelines therefore also inherently suggest a gap in medical practice and justify the need for educational programming. Generalists may be at particular risk for missing updates in in standards relating to migraine subtypes like menstual and abdominal migraines.

Credit Designation:

ScientiaCME is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmaceutical education. This program is approved for 0.50 hours of continuing education. Proof of participation will be posted to your NABP CPE profile within 4 to 6 weeks to participants who have successfully completed the post-test. Participants must participate in the entire presentation and complete the course evaluation to receive continuing pharmacy education credit.