Experts, patients and community leaders discussed the need for a systematic approach to the treatment and diagnosis of migraine

On September 12, the International Day against Migraine, a press conference "Migraine: the current situation and a look into the future" was held at the Izvestia press center. The event brought together leading neurologists, patients, and members of the public to draw attention to a problem that affects millions of Russians but remains underappreciated.

As Alexey Sergeev, MD, President of the Russian Society for the Study of Headache, noted: "Migraine is not just a headache, but a serious neurological disease. It destroys lives, careers, and families. At the same time, many primary care doctors still do not recognize her symptoms, blaming them on VSD or overwork."

Migraine ranks second in the world in terms of years spent with disability. In Russia, one in five adults suffers from it, and the prevalence among adolescents reaches 23%. The diagnosis is often made 5-7 years late.

Yulia Azimova, MD, spoke about the quality of life of patients with migraine: "Migraine steals not only days, but also opportunities to build a career, create a family, and realize oneself. Our data show that a patient with migraine loses 5.3 years of life in 40 years of illness. 50% of patients spend less time with their loved ones, 34% of families cancel plans due to the illness of their children, 40% of spouses do not believe in the severity of their partner's pain. It's not just a headache, it's a systemic problem that destroys all aspects of life."

The situation with children is of particular concern. Yuri Nesterovsky, PhD, noted: "The prevalence of migraines among children reaches 10-15%, and in adolescents — up to 23%. Childhood migraines are often disguised as other diseases: abdominal pain, dizziness, and fatigue."

Kirill Skorobogatykh, PhD, said: "The annual losses of the economy amount to 385 billion rubles, and 70% are associated with a decrease in employee productivity."

The participants identified key solutions: consolidation of the patient community; informing society, teachers and doctors; creation of support programs for families with children.

The event ended with the announcement of the creation of a separate line of care for patients with headaches within the framework of the NGO "Trust and Cause".

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