PainPath: Transforming Migraine Care with AI and Personalised Self-Management

Migraines affect approximately 10 million people in the UK, causing not only debilitating pain for patients but also significant strain on the NHS. Many sufferers are on multiple medications, yet continue to experience frequent attacks. Simple factors — such as hydration, sleep, stress, or dietary triggers — are often overlooked, and there is little support for patients between consultations.

This is the problem PainPath aims to solve.

A New Approach to Migraine Management

PainPath is a digital health platform (mobile and web) that integrates AI-driven prediction with personalised interventions. It helps patients anticipate migraine flares, act early, and better manage their condition. Unlike traditional apps, PainPath does not just track symptoms; it empowers patients to prevent attacks before they occur.

Key features include:

• Predictive AI: Analyses daily inputs — sleep, stress, activity, diet, and symptoms — to forecast migraine risk.

• Personalised Interventions: Patients receive actionable guidance such as hydration tips, sleep optimisation, stress management exercises, and ACT-based behavioural tools.

• Medication Support: Reminders and prompts to take acute or prophylactic treatments early, improving adherence and outcomes.

• Educational Content: Short, clinician-led videos provide guidance on lifestyle, red flags, and migraine management.

The Value to Patients and the NHS

Patients benefit from reduced frequency and severity of attacks, improved quality of life, and greater control over their condition. For the NHS, even modest reductions in GP visits and referrals translate into substantial cost savings, freeing up resources for other high-priority care.

By addressing lifestyle and behavioural factors that are often ignored, PainPath targets the root contributors to migraines rather than relying solely on reactive pharmacological management.

Our Vision and Pilot Plan

We are seeking funding to develop a minimum viable product (MVP) and conduct an NHS pilot with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and Primary Care Networks (PCNs). This pilot will:

• Test engagement and usability

• Evaluate impact on migraine frequency and severity

• Measure health system outcomes such as reduced GP consultations

The pilot will be led by a multidisciplinary team including GPs, psychologists, AI developers, UX designers, and cybersecurity experts, ensuring both clinical rigor and patient safety.

Why Invest in PainPath

• Proven Need: Millions affected, high NHS burden

• Innovative Solution: Combines AI, behavioural science, and education

• Scalable: Potential to expand beyond migraines to chronic pain pathways

• NHS-Aligned: Designed to complement existing care, not replace clinicians

PainPath represents a unique opportunity to invest in a technology-driven, patient-focused solution with measurable outcomes, real-world clinical relevance, and long-term scalability.

Join us in transforming migraine care — helping patients take control while reducing the burden on the NHS.