Paula Fernandez shares her journey fighting migraines. Understand the impacts and strategies to restore quality of life

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“Today is a special day. November 11th, the day when my life began to take on color again. On that day, I entered the clinic without even imagining that I too was passing through a portal, the beginning of a new phase in my life. Pain-free, dreaming, creating, writing books. It’s a light stage where you have the freedom to be who you are. I decided to name my project this because it was so symbolic and transformative: 11:11, a reminder of new beginnings, gratitude, and hope.”

Rural women are not alone in this journey. neurologist Thiago de PaulaHeadache specialist at Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM/UNIFESP) and member of the International Headache Society (IHS) and the Brazilian Headache Society (SBC), emphasizes that this treatment goes far beyond immediate relief of symptoms.

“When we talk about migraine treatment, we aim not only to reduce the physical pain, but also to restore the quality of life for this patient. Treatment primarily includes lifestyle management with interdisciplinary monitoring, as well as anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies, beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and bolus therapy. This includes the use of medications such as turinus toxin. It also includes avoiding substances that act as stimulants (tea, coffee, chocolate). Controlling the disease will greatly reduce the effects of migraines,” he elaborates.

Experts emphasize that the impact of this condition extends to other areas of a patient’s life. “The impact goes beyond repeated, severe pain to affect mental well-being, personal relationships, professional life and even finances,” he warns.

Emotional aspects are particularly sensitive for physicians. “Frustration at missing important moments and a sense of loss of control over one’s body are also associated with depression and low self-esteem. Both conditions share changes in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which are essential for balancing mood and regulating pain. Additionally, the unpredictability of the crisis, the intensity of symptoms, and the The restrictions imposed on daily life can create feelings of helplessness, loneliness, and frustration, which can promote the onset or worsening of depression. “It goes both ways,” he explains. “Migraines increase the risk of depression, but depression can increase the perception of pain and increase the frequency of attacks.

The social impact is also large. “Many patients avoid events, travel, and family gatherings because they fear causing a crisis or are unable to cope with their symptoms in public. Migraine sufferers tend to withdraw in search of dark, quiet environments to alleviate their symptoms, but this can also be interpreted as social withdrawal,” Dr. Tiago added, recalling that this even occurs in cases of photophobia, phonophobia, or hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound).

In professional settings, the disease impairs presence and performance. “People who have frequent attacks may find it difficult to maintain the same performance at work and may have to miss work due to pain, sensitivity to light or sound, or the need for rest. This affects not only individual performance, but also relationships within the team. Frequent migraines affect several areas, including memory, poor concentration, and difficulty making quick decisions or performing demanding physical tasks,” he points out.

Financial implications are also relevant. “There are indirect costs associated with lost working days and occupational opportunities.Furthermore, economically speaking, there are direct costs such as medical consultations, tests and regular medications,” comments Dr. Tiago de Paula. “For all these reasons, migraine should not be seen as a temporary pain, but as a chronic disease that requires proper diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.”