We used a retrospective, cross-sectional dataset from MSCC^TM, a digital application (InterPRO Bioscience) of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, to assess the relationship of migraine with MS disability or severity.

Migraine presents simultaneously with early MS in most patients and is associated with MS prevalence and incidence. However, the pathological significance of migraine to MS disability or severity remains unclear.

We used patient survey responses to identify likely migraineurs (chronic vs. episodic). We tested an association between migraineur status and MS disability or severity after controlling for demographic variables with mixed-effects models. We tested two measures of MS disability, Patient-Derived Disability Score (PDDS) and MS-related Work Disruption (MS-RWD), and one measure of MS severity, Patient-Derived MS Severity Score (P-MSSS).

87% of mHealth headache survey respondents (N=253) self-reported headache. Mean patient age was 45.4 y (±11.4SD), with 79% female. Respondent self-reported their diagnosis as follows: 78% RRMS/CIS, 10% PP/SPMS, and 11% unsure. Mean participant PDDS was 2.15 (±1.9SD), mean P-MSSS decile was 4.3 (±2.6SD), and 41.9% reported MS-related limitations/disability at work (MS-RWD). Only 6.3% of patients reported relapse within six weeks of the survey.

Using an mHealth dataset, we find disabled, younger, heavier, or female patients have increased odds of episodic and chronic migraines. This study reveals the small fraction of MS patients receiving headache treatment. Further, it demonstrates the usefulness of an mHealth application for migraine screening of MS patients.