For many people, a headache is a passing inconvenience. But for those living with migraine, an attack can be a debilitating event that halts work, study, and everyday routines. In Portugal, this neurological condition affects an estimated two million people, making it one of the most common and disabling disorders in the country.
Globally, around 1.3 billion people live with migraine, according to the World Health Organization. In Portugal, a study by The Work Foundation, conducted with researchers at Lancaster University, found that 24% of women and 13% of men experience migraines. The condition disproportionately affects women, and its impact on daily life is profound.
Data from the European Migraine & Headache Alliance (EMHA) shows that 92% of Portuguese women with migraine report that attacks have limited their ability to work, study, or carry out activities for at least one day. Beyond the intense pain, migraine often brings nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, noise, and smells, as well as cognitive difficulties such as slowed thinking and trouble concentrating.
Despite its prevalence, migraine remains underdiagnosed in Portugal. A national consensus published in 2025 reveals that around 40% of people with headaches do not receive medical follow-up. Among those who do, more than half seek care in the private sector. The same document estimates that roughly 1.5 million Portuguese people would benefit from medical follow-up for headaches, and that about 90% could be managed in primary health care settings.
The EMHA study, titled "Migraine in Women - The Invisible Hormonal Pattern," paints an even starker picture: 42% of women with symptoms compatible with migraine have never received a formal diagnosis, 33.6% have never consulted a doctor about their headaches, and 72.4% resort to self-medication.
"These figures confirm that migraine continues to be underestimated and that access to appropriate treatment is still a challenge for many people in our country," says Isabel Pireza, chair of the General Assembly of MiGRA Portugal, the Portuguese Association of Migraine and Headache Patients. "It is urgent that we close the gap between diagnosis and effective treatment, so that no one has to live trapped by this disease."
Impact on work and daily life
The consequences of migraine extend into the workplace. A study among employees of Portuguese companies found episodes of absenteeism and reduced work capacity during attacks. Among workers with a headache-related condition who reported completing less than half of their planned work during an episode, 29% had migraine.
The unpredictability of attacks can also strain personal relationships and contribute to emotional difficulties or mental health problems. People with migraine often feel drained of energy and may struggle to maintain their usual responsibilities.
"Migraine is a neurological disease that goes far beyond its best-known manifestation, headache. It can have a profound impact on family, social, school, and working life," explains Filipe Palavra, president of the Portuguese Headache Society. "Recognising the signs and reaching the correct diagnosis is essential to breaking this cycle of suffering, ensuring that each person can access the most appropriate follow-up and treatment and regain quality of life."
For Isabel Pireza, the key is to change attitudes. "We still see far too many people normalising a pain that should not be considered normal," she says. "We want those who suffer from migraine to know that they do not have to accept living like this, that there are solutions and that seeking help is the first step towards regaining their freedom."
Improving access to care in Portugal would not only alleviate individual suffering but also reduce the broader societal burden. As the country grapples with an overstretched public health system, integrating headache management into primary care could be a cost-effective solution. The challenge, experts say, lies in raising awareness among both the public and healthcare professionals.
Meanwhile, the wider European picture remains uneven. While some countries have established dedicated headache clinics, others lag behind. The growing automation in healthcare might offer new tools, but for now, the human element—proper diagnosis and follow-up—remains the critical missing piece for millions of Portuguese.
