Migraine prevalence in Nepal
Migraine affects an estimated 12–15% of adults in Nepal, with higher prevalence among women of reproductive age and significant economic impact through lost productivity and disability days. The condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated in rural and semi-urban areas where access to neurologists is limited and many patients rely on over-the-counter analgesics without specialist evaluation.
ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria require specific features — throbbing pain, often unilateral, lasting 4–72 hours, with nausea, photophobia and functional impairment. Without structured classification, many patients receive inappropriate treatment or remain on ineffective medications for years. A headache diary captures frequency, severity, triggers, associated symptoms and medication days, allowing accurate classification before treatment decisions are made.
- Migraine affects 12–15% of adults in Nepal, higher in women
- Underdiagnosed in rural areas where access to specialists is limited
- ICHD-3 criteria require throbbing unilateral pain with nausea and photophobia
- Headache diary is essential for accurate classification and treatment planning
Related: Migraine Care → · Dr. Jitendra Knowledge Hub → · ICHD-3 Topic →
How patients across Nepal access specialist care
Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center at Durbar Marg, Opposite of Yak & Yeti Hotel serves patients from all seven provinces of Nepal. For patients who can travel to Kathmandu, initial in-person evaluation establishes diagnosis comprehensively. The clinic allocates extended time for patients travelling from distant regions to maximise the value of each visit.
For patients unable to travel, telephone or video consultations are available for follow-up of established diagnoses and for triage to assess urgency. After initial in-person assessment, selected follow-up consultations can be conducted remotely — suitable for diary review, medication adjustment and monitoring. Patients from across Nepal should bring a 4-week headache diary, current medication list and any prior investigations. Call 974-7736624 or use /book-appointment to schedule.
- In-person evaluation at Durbar Marg, Opposite of Yak & Yeti Hotel with extended appointments for distant patients
- Telemedicine follow-up for established diagnoses and triage
- Bring 4-week headache diary and medication list to all consultations
- Extended consultation time for patients travelling from outside Kathmandu