More to Life Than Migraine
For far too long, migraine has been misunderstood and minimized. Migraine is a serious neurological condition that impacts the brain. Yet, for some, they’ve been told — or even accepted — that migraine is something they must quietly push through.
There can be more to life than constant adaptation. More than managing day-to-day or coping. Migraine is not “just a headache.” The reality is a story of missed milestones, altered plans and a life repeatedly put on hold. Migraine doesn’t just disrupt days – it can shape the course of a person’s life.
In a recent survey conducted with American Migraine Foundation, with 550 people in the US living with migraine, 37% of respondents say they are impacted more than half of the month by migraine.*
60% of people need at least 24 hours to recover from a migraine attack.*
More to Life Than Migraine
For far too long, migraine has been misunderstood and minimized.1 Migraine disease, which is a serious neurological condition that impacts the brain, is characterized by recurring headache attacks.2 Yet, for some, they’ve decided — or even accepted — that migraine is something they must quietly push through.3
There should be more to life than constant adaptation.2,3 More than managing day-to-day or coping.2,3 Migraine is not “just a headache.”1 The reality can be a story of missed milestones, altered plans and a life repeatedly put on hold.4 Migraine doesn’t just disrupt days — it can shape the course of a person’s life.4,5
37% of the 550 people in the US living with migraine who responded to an Ipsen-sponsored survey conducted with American Migraine Foundation said they were impacted more than half of the month by migraine6
60% of survey respondents said they needed at least 24 hours to recover from a migraine attack6
Measured over a lifetime
Migraine is often measured in days per month, but its true impact can be felt over years, decades and a lifespan.4 Over time, migraine can shape the direction of a person’s life by influencing decisions, opportunities, relationships and aspirations.4
For many people, migraine becomes the unseen factor behind countless decisions.4 Vacations canceled.4 Celebrations missed.4 Professional goals postponed.4 Forced daily decisions turn into a life that can feel completely controlled by migraine.
“Migraine placed me on permanent disability. I lost my career.”
90% of survey respondents said work, career and education have been one of the top aspects of life impacted by migraine6
"People do not understand, I have lost friendships. They got tired of plans being canceled."
74% of respondents said their social life has been impacted by migraine6
Survival through sacrifice
And what can appear to others as resilience and coping, may actually reflect years of adaptation, compromise and sacrifice.4
Sarah shares her lived experience with migraine via her blog and social media.
Relationships
Migraine may affect families — not only through genetics, but through shared experiences and learned expectations.4,7,8
Migraine may mean a loss of friends, strained marriages, family conflict and withdrawing from social activities because they cannot reliably participate.4,8
“Migraine makes me isolated at home with very few friends.”
Career
Migraine affects more than physical health. It influences how people show up for the people and moments that matter most.4,5
Migraine can limit career and educational advancement, forces reduced hours, causing job loss, disability and in some cases, early retirement, even leading to financial hardship.4,5
“I had to sell my business after because I couldn’t run it while living with migraine.”
Identity
The impact of migraine extends beyond health, affecting educational opportunities, job advancement, and financial security.4
Migraine can steal time, memories and a person’s independence. This can result in feelings of worry, sadness, guilt, shame and loss.4
“My life has grown so small. Migraine has cost me my identity and confidence.”
Redefined by possibility
Living with migraine should not mean accepting a life defined by limitations.9-10 Migraine is part of a person’s story, but it should not have to be the entire narrative.9-10 We must recognize the impact of migraine over the course of a lifetime and envision a future redefined by possibilities.9-10
Advocate for your specific needs, because there is more to life than migraine.10
“Be your own advocate. No one else can do this for you.”
“Your pain and discomfort are real. You do not need to convince anyone otherwise.”
Resources
The information above is provided for your information and is not an endorsement of these organizations nor an implication that these organizations endorse Ipsen.
References
- Casas-Limón J, Quintas S, López-Bravo A, Alpuente A, Andrés-López A, Castro-Sánchez MV, Membrilla JA, Morales-Hernández C, González-García N, Irimia P. Unravelling Migraine Stigma: A Comprehensive Review of Its Impact and Strategies for Change. J Clin Med. 2024 Sep 3;13(17):5222. doi: 10.3390/jcm13175222. PMID: 39274435; PMCID: PMC11396411.
- Eigenbrodt, A. K., Ashina, H., Khan, S., et al. (2021). Diagnosis and management of migraine in ten steps. Nature Reviews Neurology, 17(8), 501–514. DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00509-5.
- Estave PM, Beeghly S, Anderson R, Margol C, Shakir M, George G, Berger A, O’Connell N, Burch R, Haas N, Powers SW, Seng E, Buse DC, Lipton RB, Wells RE. Learning the full impact of migraine through patient voices: A qualitative study. Headache. 2021 Jul;61(7):1004-1020. doi: 10.1111/head.14151. Epub 2021 Jun 3. PMID: 34081779; PMCID: PMC8428538.
- Lipton, R. B., Buse, D. C., Fanning, K. M., Awouters, F. I., Adams, A. M., Reed, M. L., & Serrano, D. (2019). Life With Migraine: Effects on Relationships, Career, and Finances From the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 59(8), 1288-1304.
- Peles I, Sharvit S, Zlotnik Y, Gordon M, Novack V, Waismel-Manor R, Ifergane G. Migraine and work – beyond absenteeism: Migraine severity and occupational burnout – A cohort study. Cephalalgia. 2024 Oct;44(10):3331024241289930. doi: 10.1177/03331024241289930. PMID: 39421886.
- Online survey conducted by American Migraine Foundation (AMF) sponsored by Ipsen in June/July 2026. 550 people who self-reported living with migraine in the US responded to the survey. Survey was shared by AMF across their social media channels to followers who are already engaging with the organization. By nature of the condition, these respondents may be more likely to be experiencing more severe migraine symptoms or frequency with 37% reporting more than half their month impacted by migraine.
- Ravn J, Chalmer MA, Oehrstroem EL, Kogelman LJA, Hansen TF. Characterization of Familial and Sporadic Migraine. Headache. 2019 Nov;59(10):1802-1807. doi: 10.1111/head.13640. Epub 2019 Sep 22. PMID: 31544229; PMCID: PMC6899493.
- Buse DC, et all. Impact of Migraine on the Family: Perspectives of People With Migraine and Their Spouse/Domestic Partner in the CaMEO Study. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Volume 91, Issue 5 2026. Pages 596-611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.02.013.
- Emmenegger M and Gantenbein A. Philosophical aspects of migraine: Headache treatment is a human-to-human service. International Headache Society. Epub 2025 May 23. https://doi.org/10.1177/03331024251343225
- Shapiro, R.E. (2020), What Will it Take to Move the Needle for Headache Disorders? An Advocacy Perspective. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 60: 2059-2077. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.13913
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