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The number one prescriber to migraine patients are migraine patients.
This is because the majority of migraine patients do not see any physician.
In fact, only a small majority of migraine patients have even received
the diagnosis of migraine from any physician even if they consulted a
physician for their headache. Many are misdiagnosed with tension headache
or recurrent sinus headaches. A recent study suggests that patients with
moderate to severe recurrent sinus headaches actually suffer from migraine.
Neurologist only see a small percentage of overall migraine patients.
Many migraine patients have seen a physician in the past but do not currently
see any physician. When asked why, these patients commonly state that
lack of effective treatment as the number one reason. Many physicians,
unfortunately, practice a form of prescribing for migraines known as step
care. In this system, the cheapest medications are prescribed first and
the newer, more expensive medications are prescribed only if the patient
returns and states the older medications did not work. While the less
expensive medications may cost less, the ultimate cost to an average individual
is actually higher than the more expensive medications. In fact, the newer
agents have been shown to be cost effective and result in higher levels
of patient satisfaction compared to prior therapies.
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