Date Available

12-10-2015

Year of Publication

2015

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advisor

Dr. Leslie Scott

Committee Member

Dr. Dianna Inman

Co-Director of Graduate Studies

Amy Burnett

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess how providers are managing adolescent patients with migraines in Kentucky.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study via a 28-item survey instrument, which is distributed electronically via member listserve to members of the Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives (KCNPNM).

Results: Of the 35 survey respondents, there were 29 respondents who met criteria for participation in the survey. Respondents reported the most common presenting symptom for adolescent migraine was headache. Over half of the respondents (58.6%) initiated treatment with over-the-counter medications, with ibuprofen (65.5%) being the most commonly used. 62.1% of respondents felt that non-pharmacologic methods were effective in reducing migraine frequency. Results indicated a statistically significant relationship between age of provider and level of comfort in diagnosing, initiating treatment, and managing migraines in adolescent patients. 31% of providers felt there were significant obstacles in diagnosis, initiating treatment, and management of migraines in this population.

Conclusion: There is further research needed in this area in order to determine the most effective management techniques for migraines in adolescents. Also, further education for providers surrounding diagnosis, management, and treatment of migraines would be beneficial to increase level of comfort. Development of a guideline or algorithm to guide providers regarding migraine care would be beneficial as well.

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