Italy's Migraine Awareness Month Launches Docufilm “Una vita a metà”

In Italy about six million people suffer from migraine, a neurological disorder that disproportionately affects women (ratio 3:1) and is most common between ages 25 and 55. The World Health Organization rates severe migraine at the highest level of disability, comparable to dementia.

June is designated as migraine awareness month. Health professionals and patient organisations are urging earlier diagnosis and equitable access to care. To combat stigma and diagnostic delays, a new documentary film titled “Una vita a metà” has been released on Prime Video. It was written and directed by Donatella Romani and Roberto Amato, produced by Telomero Produzioni, and features actress Francesca Cavallin as narrator. The film includes testimonies from comedian Saverio Raimondo, journalist Monica Guerzoni, and Olympic rower Matteo Sartori.

The programme highlights recent therapeutic advances, notably monoclonal‑antibody treatments and the new class of oral CGRP‑receptor antagonists called gepants. Alessandra Sorrentino, president of the Al. Ce. Alleanza cefalalgici, is quoted saying “Migraine has long been considered the Cinderella of neurological diseases.” Piero Barbanti, professor of neurology at the University IRCCS San Raffaele, adds that “For years we treated migraine with drugs used for other conditions, which caused heavy side‑effects.” The film aims to raise public understanding and reduce the social burden of this “invisible” disease.