Ulm/Biberach, January 30, 2015: Migraine – a widespread illness: Nearly four percent of residents suffer from the severe headache attacks. The number of those affected has risen steadily and significantly over the past six years: AOK Ulm-Biberach has recorded 20 percent more migraine patients among its insured members in Biberach, the Alb-Donau district, and Ulm since 2007. The illness is predominantly affecting women; four out of five sufferers are female. However, men are catching up: The number of male patients has increased by an average of 30 percent in the region.

Since 2007, the number of migraine cases in Baden-Württemberg has increased by an average of 2.7 percent per year. A more pronounced increase has also been observed among men since 2009. The cities and districts with the highest number of affected individuals in 2013 were Esslingen (8,500), Ludwigsburg (7,800), and Stuttgart (7,600). In contrast, Pforzheim had 2,000 migraine sufferers, the Enzkreis district 3,000, the Calw district 2,500, and the Freudenstadt district 2,200. AOK Baden-Württemberg registered nearly 1,300 hospitalizations for migraine and spent €1.8 million on treatment

In 2013, the AOK Ulm-Biberach health insurance company registered 8,335 migraine patients. With 227,000 AOK-insured individuals at that time, this means that one in 27 consulted a doctor due to this condition. Six years earlier, the figure was 6,894 insured individuals. This represents a 20 percent increase in the number of affected individuals. The individual annual increases range from two to almost six percent.

The increase is relatively constant across different regions: In Biberach, 2,780 migraine patients sought medical treatment in 2007, while in 2013 this number rose by 21.4 percent to 3,374. This district thus saw the strongest increase. The Alb-Donau district follows with a 20.4 percent increase, from 2,775 to 3,340 affected individuals. In Ulm, the number rose by 20.1 percent, from 1,339 to 1,621 people. This trend can therefore be observed across years and regions. The actual figures are likely higher, as only those suffering from migraines who consulted a doctor could be included.

Interestingly, the increase varies considerably between the sexes: During the period in question, the proportion of female migraine patients rose by 18.8 percent, while the proportion of male patients increased by 30 percent. Significant regional differences are evident. In Biberach, the increase among women, at 21.4 percent, was even slightly higher than that among men, at 21.3 percent. In the Alb-Donau district, however, the number of female migraine patients rose by only 15.8 percent, while the number of male patients increased by 40.7 percent. In the city of Ulm, 19.6 percent more women were affected, but 27.8 percent more men. The ratio of women to men suffering from migraines is approximately four to one across the board. The highest number of patients is found in the 20-24 and 35-54 age groups, with a marked decline in between. The number drops sharply with age.

The reasons for this sharp increase in migraine patients are unclear, as the causes of the disease are not fully understood. The trigger is an overexcitation of nerve cells, which results in overactivity of the brain. "Too little sleep, too much stress, sensory overload, and insufficient fluid intake can trigger migraines in those affected," explains Dr. Sabine Schwenk, Managing Director of AOK Ulm-Biberach. "The blood vessels in the brain then constrict." Symptoms, in addition to headache attacks, include sensitivity to light and noise, and nausea. "A regular and healthy lifestyle with regular endurance exercise and relaxation techniques can help prevent a migraine attack," Schwenk continues. "However, patients should always discuss suitable prevention and treatment measures with their doctor on an individual basis."

Data collection: All AOK-insured individuals within the AOK Ulm-Biberach district office who reside in the city of Ulm, the city and district of Biberach, and the Alb-Donau district, and who received medical treatment for a primary diagnosis of migraine during the relevant calendar years, are included. AOK Ulm-Biberach has a market share of approximately 50 percent among those with statutory health insurance in the region.

Press office AOK Ulm-Biberach