Migraine prevalence and disability in Spain

A new epidemiological study by the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN) reveals that migraine affects more than six million people in Spain, representing approximately 13.1% of the adult population. The condition is significantly more prevalent in women, who are affected 2.2 times more often than men (17.7% versus 8.2%).

Research indicates that migraine is a leading cause of disability for individuals under 50. Nearly half of all patients (48.9%) experience some degree of disability, with one in five suffering from severe disability. The condition is also linked to mental health challenges, as nearly 40% of patients report moderate to severe depressive symptoms.

The disease typically progresses through several phases. These can include premonitory symptoms such as fatigue or irritability, followed by an 'aura' phase involving visual distortions or sensory changes, and finally the acute pain phase characterized by hypersensitivity to light, sound, and nausea.