Migraine isn’t just a headache; it is a complex neurological disorder that affects over one billion people worldwide and ranks among the leading causes of disability. Its symptoms including intense head pain, visual disturbances, nausea, fatigue, and sensitivity to light or sound can severely disrupt daily life, making it difficult to work, study, or maintain relationships. Despite this global impact, migraine remains under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated in many healthcare systems.
In this blog, we spotlight recent publications from BMC Series journals, including BMC Neurology and BMC Public Health, that highlight three critical aspects of living with migraine: the stigma faced by individuals with migraine, the population-level burden and unmet needs in care, and the influence of lifestyle factors in the digital era on migraine severity.
BMC Neurology - Stigmatizing attitudes toward people with migraine by people without active migraine: results of the OVERCOME (US) study
Migraine is not only a disabling neurological disorder but also one that carries stigma. Because it is an “invisible” condition, many people with migraine feel dismissed by the family and the society who may consider their condition insignificant. This external stigma adds to the emotional and social burden of living with migraine.
A recent study published in BMC Neurology explored stigmatizing attitudes towards people with migraine using data from the ObserVational survey of the Epidemiology, tReatment and Care Of MigrainE (OVERCOME) US study, a population-based web survey. The study found that 70% of people without active migraine endorsed at least one stigmatizing attitude toward those with migraine. Stigmatizing attitudes were more common among people who had a history of migraine or close contact with someone who had migraine. These findings show that people with migraine face stigma from both those who experience migraine and those who do not, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and building supportive environments.
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BMC Public health - The epidemiology and unmet need of migraine in five european countries: results from the national health and wellness survey
Migraine is the second leading cause of disability worldwide and affects more than 1.1 billion people. Despite its high prevalence, migraines often remain under-diagnosed and under-treated, leading to poor health outcomes and increased economic burden.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health assessed the burden of migraine in five European countries - France, Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain, using patient-reported data from the National Health and Wellness Survey. The study found that migraine affects about 11.5% of adults, with Spain reporting the highest rates. The highest prevalence was seen among adults aged 30–39 years, and women were twice as likely as men to experience migraine. Nearly one-fourth of diagnosed respondents reported more than four monthly migraine days, and over half had more than four monthly headache days. Despite available treatments, most patients were managed by primary care physicians with a strong reliance on painkillers, reflecting high rates of medication overuse and gaps in referral and specialist care. These results highlight a significant treatment gap in Europe and the need for improved management strategies.
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BMC public health - Internet use May be associated with the severity of headache in migraine patients: results from a Hungarian tertiary headache center
Along with stress, poor posture, and diet, digitalization has emerged as a lifestyle factor that may influence migraine. Excessive use of screens and internet-based activities has been linked to both the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, with patterns resembling behavioral addiction.
A recent questionnaire-based cross-sectional study from Hungary, published in BMC Public Health, examined how internet use patterns affect migraine severity. The study found that individuals who used the internet between 9 pm and midnight were more likely to experience severe migraine attacks. Nighttime use, often a sign of internet addiction, was also associated with sleep deprivation and insomnia. Online gaming was particularly linked with more severe headaches. These findings suggest that reducing late-night screen time and prioritizing healthy sleep habits may help prevent or lessen migraine severity. The study highlights how digital habits are an important part of migraine management in modern life.
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Making the Invisible Visible
The 2025 campaign theme for Migraine Awareness, “I AM (IN)VISIBLE,” is a powerful reminder that although migraine cannot be seen, its effects are profound. Research from the BMC Series underscores the urgent need to raise awareness and create supportive environments for people with migraine, helping reduce its global burden and improve the quality of life for millions.