The cost–benefit and the
risk–benefit ratios are two of the
most relevant items in ongoing
health organisation procedures.
The choice of a new or an old therapeutic
treatment depends on a
number of factors and the evaluation
of the cost, in terms of economics,
but also in terms of quality
of life and type of facilities necessary
for one treatment are crucial
criteria. Therefore, we have to consider
in evaluating treatment strategies
not only the activity of a drug
in reaching the main end–points,
(i.e., pain free or headache relief)
but also the safety and perception
of safety by patients, and the cost
effectiveness, including indirect
costs compared with personal and
social benefits. Because it is reasonable
that a subgroup of
migraine patients may have a clinically
progressive disorder, studies
should be necessary to assess
strategies for migraine treatments.
Key words Cost benefit - Headache - Pharmacoeconomy - Impact - Risk
factors