European Map of Access
to Migraine Treatment
An initiative by the European Migraine & Headache Alliance (EMHA) to highlight the differences in access, availability and affordability of migraine treatments across Europe.
Migraine affects millions of people in Europe, yet obtaining an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment remains a challenge.
This interactive map gathers information from 12 European countries, to show:
- Where the most innovative treatments are available
- How much patients must pay for their medication
- What barriers they face in accessing the care they need
Did you know?
On average, patients wait 5 years to receive a diagnosis and another 3 years to start effective treatment.
Methodology
4 steps:
- 1 Where the most innovative treatments are available
- 2 2 Evaluation of accessibility (approval, availability, prescription requirements)
- 3 Evaluation of affordability (out of pocket cost, reimbursement, co pay)
- 4 Development of the Access & Affordability Index
Objective
Differences in access to treatment not only affect the quality of life of people with migraine but also impact their mental health, productivity, and social well being.
By identifying gaps between countries, this project aims to promote more equitable and supportive European policies for patients.
For Patients
- Better access to reliable information and specialized migraine care.
- How much patients must pay for their medication.
- What barriers they face in accessing the care they need.
For the Medical Community
-
This initiative can spotlight centers of excellence and promote collaboration among specialists.
By gathering real-world data on migraine impact, it enables healthcare professionals to refine diagnosis, personalize treatments, and close the gap between patient experience and clinical practice.
Policy Makers and Payers
- Migraine is one of the leading causes of disability in Europe, yet remains underdiagnosed and undertreated.
- This project provides valuable insight into the true burden of migraine on people s lives data that can inform health equity policies, optimize resource allocation, and support evidence based decision making.
- Because equitable treatment means ensuring that every person with migraine has access to the care they truly need.
Overall Goal
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To improve migraine management across Europe by connecting patients, specialists, and policymakers through understanding, not assumptions.

Because numbers tell the story that words cannot.
