Support the Madrid Manifesto on Headache/Migraine Disorders

The European Headache Alliance [EHA] launched its Madrid Manifesto on Headache/Migraine Disorders on Monday, May 24th in the Spanish Parliament, Madrid.The Manifesto is a call to governments and health policy makers across Europe to recognise that the failure of healthcare systems to provide effective treatments to migraine sufferers is causing an unnecessary socio-economic burden.

The World Health Organisation places migraine as the 12th leading cause of disability in women and 19th overall. The condition affects 12-15\% of the population and costs the EU economy approximately 27 billion annually due to reduced productivity and workdays lost. The Madrid Manifesto aims to reduce this burden by meeting a set of agreed targets approved by leading experts in the field of headache over the next five years.

"Migraine needs to be put firmly on the political agenda," says Audrey Craven, EHA President, "We would ask you to sign the manifesto below. The more signatures we receive the more powerful our lobby will be when we approach policy makers."



Madrid Manifesto 2010

CONSENSUS STATEMENTS
Migraine is a neurological disorder of the brain.

The World Health Organisation places migraine as the 12th leading cause of disability in women and 19th overall.

Migraine affects 12-15\% of the population. It costs the EU economy approximately 27 billion annually due to reduced productivity and workdays lost.

Failure of healthcare systems to provide effective treatments to those who need them is the most significant reason for this socio-economic burden.

A range of effective treatments exist. Acute therapy reduces disability during the attack and preventive therapy can reduce frequency and severity of attacks long term.

We call upon the governments and health policy makers of Europe to:
Recognise migraine as a chronic, debilitating and disabling condition
Provide the resources and support services needed to achieve optimal headache care
Prioritise headache education/awareness programmes for both the general public and health professionals
Promote research into the causes of headache/migraine and new medicines
Work to improve the quality of life of those affected, especially in the working environment as it will reduce absenteeism and increase safety and productivity


CONSENSUS ACTIONS
During the next five years the following targets should be reached in Europe:
The number of patients satisfied with the management and treatment of their condition should increase to 70\% from the current level of 40\%.
Every patient diagnosed with Migraine should receive a proper explanation of the condition and appropriate treatment on their first visit to a healthcare professional.
All citizens affected by headache disorders should receive accurate information and the support and reassurance they need e.g. through patient organisations and headache/migraine specialist nurses.
Migraine must be recognised as a disability and those affected should receive equal protection under national and European Disability and Employment Laws
A multi-disciplinary approach to headache care should be promoted across Europe, with at least one functioning team in each country.
A module in headache/migraine care should be available in every medical training school for General Practitioners.
Original research and epidemiological studies should be initiated and supported by the European Commission with the support of national governments
European Migraine Day of Action (EMDA) should be adopted in all countries across Europe and in the European Parliament.

To achieve this, the collaboration of health professional and patient organisations in Europe is essential. The advocacy role of the patient organisation is required to eradicate the stigma and social exclusion felt by all those affected by headache disorders.

Reliable data outlining the scale and scope of the burden is necessary in order to influence policy makers when they are ordering priorities.

Before the end of this five-year time frame, all interested parties should work together and agree measures of outcome and evaluation.

The European Headache Alliance and partners will encourage the implementation of this manifesto and monitor the effects of these initiatives to demonstrate beneficial change. A review of this manifesto will be conducted annually on EMDA (September 12th).

May 24th 2010
Madrid, Spain