“I started getting migraines when I was only seven.”

Patricia clearly remembers her first migraine attack. While her friends and cousins were enjoying themselves in the swimming pool, she had to shut herself away in a dark room because of an intense headache.

“I remember sitting alone in a dark room, hearing everyone having fun in the pool, and not understanding why I had to miss out,” says Patricia.

Over the years, the attacks continued. Yet for a long time, she didn't recognise that the headaches and other symptoms were caused by migraine.

“It wasn't until years later, after learning more about migraine, that I realised what I'd been experiencing since childhood was migraine,” she recalls.

Migraine is much more than a headache 

Migraine is a neurological condition that causes recurring headache attacks, but its impact goes far beyond the pain itself. Patients may experience a range of symptoms before, during and after an attack, and some symptoms can even occur between attacks. Migraine is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is one of the twenty most disabling conditions. It affects around one in seven people and is three times more common in women than in men. 

“When we talk about migraine, we're not talking about just a headache. It is a disorder of the central nervous system associated with a wide spectrum of symptoms and important anatomical and physiological changes,” explains Dr Neus Fabregat, Neurologist at Hospital Clínic.

Migraine attacks may last from a few hours to several days and are frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia) and smells (osmophobia). Physical activity typically aggravates symptoms, so many people need to rest in a quiet, dark environment during an attack.

What causes migraine?

Migraine is a type of headache caused by changes in the way different areas of the brain function. It has a strong genetic component, and many people with migraine have a family history of the condition.

A range of factors can trigger attacks, worsen symptoms or contribute to migraine becoming chronic. These include overuse of pain-relieving medication, stress, anxiety, depression, excessive caffeine intake, obesity, sleep disturbances, fasting, hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle, certain foods, alcohol consumption, sudden weather changes, sensory triggers and other chronic pain disorders.

Can migraine start in childhood? 

Although migraine is often associated with adulthood, it can also start during childhood or adolescence. At these ages, the symptoms may go unnoticed or be attributed to other causes, delaying diagnosis.

Early diagnosis makes it possible to identify potential triggers, start the most appropriate treatment, and reduce the impact migraine can have on everyday life.

When should you seek medical advice? 

You should seek medical advice if headaches are frequent, severe or affect your daily life, especially if they occur repeatedly or are accompanied by other symptoms. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards managing the condition. 

Living with migraine

Today, Patricia shares her experience to help raise awareness of a condition that is still often misunderstood.

“I’ve lived with migraine for many years, and the frequency of my attacks has varied over time. Understanding what was happening to me has made a huge difference,” says Patricia.

Her story is a reminder that migraine is much more than a headache. An early diagnosis and specialist follow-up can help people manage the condition and reduce its impact on everyday life.