Migraine, listed as the second cause of disability worldwide, intensely affects those who suffer from it, impacting their personal, social and professional lives. In Spain, More than 50% of migraine sufferers experience severe or very severe disability. Despite its high prevalence, 40% of cases in Spain remain undiagnosed, which aggravates the patients’ condition and accelerates the chronicification of the disease.
The report highlights the prevalence of migraine among women, with 37.1% of cases compared to 23% in men, and highlights its presence in young people: 48% of patients aged between 18 and 34 years and the 36.2% between 35 and 54 years old.
Regarding areas of pain, the head is the main place affected (24.9%), although pain in generalized areas (21.1%) and in the back and extremities (19%) is also common.
About 62.5% of patients with migraine and chronic pain rate their pain as “intense», while 26.7% describe it as «moderate». 8.2% even report experiencing pain «unbearable». This continuous suffering also affects sleep: 80% of those affected report sleep disorders associated with pain, which directly impacts their quality of life.
«The data reflect the high prevalence of migraine among patients with chronic pain and its impact on daily life. This study will allow us to design measures to raise awareness in society and improve the approach to the disease.», explains Ana Esquivias, representative of the Grünenthal Foundation.
Isabel Colomina, president of AEMICE, adds: «Migraine is disabling and goes far beyond a simple headache. “A change in social perception is necessary to break the stigma of this disease.”
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