Efficacy of therapeutic patient education for managing migraine: An updated narrative review

Abstract

Background-Therapeutic patient education (TPE) is a promising bio-behavioural adjunct to standard-of-care treatment to manage migraine. Evidence for its efficacy and optimal delivery, however, is limited. Objective-To provide a comprehensive updated narrative review of the existing literature on the efficacy of TPE in managing migraine. Methods-A preliminary PubMed search was conducted using a combination of MeSH and non-MeSH terms. Articles in English were screened through October 2025 based on titles and abstracts for relevance. Shortlisted studies were read in their entirety, and relevant findings were presented. Results-The preliminary search yielded 257 studies, of which 37 were read in their entirety. Findings from 13 randomized controlled trials, eight non-randomized prospective studies and one retrospective study have been summarized in the present review. Despite methodological heterogeneity, results consistently demonstrate the efficacy of TPE for migraine management as an adjunct to standard of care. Various patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life, self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing, benefited particularly from TPE. TPE delivered through in-person group sessions may be superior to digital or written modes of delivery. Education provided by non-headache experts, including nurses, trained medical students and lay migraineurs, can also be effective when delivered by appropriately trained individuals. Preliminary analysis indicates reduced economic costs associated with TPE, though further studies are required. Conclusion-TPE is a low-cost, accessible non-pharmacological intervention with evidence of efficacy in migraine management. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the literature, practical considerations and future research directions to optimize clinical utility.