Paula Fernandez shares her journey against migraines; Understand the effects and strategies to restore quality of life

• migraine: Learn about the habits that turn headaches into a chronic problem
• Do you suffer from migraines? Find out what works, helps or makes headache treatment worse

“Today is a special day. November 11, the date when my life began to gain color again. On that day, I entered the clinic without imagining that I was also passing through a portal, the beginning of a new phase of my life. A light phase, without pain, with the freedom to dream, create and be who I really am. It was so symbolic and transformative that I decided to give my project this name: 11:11, a reminder of new beginnings, gratitude and hope,” said the artist.

Rural women are not alone in this journey. Neurologist Thiago de Paulaa headache specialist from Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM/UNIFESP) and member of the International Headache Society (IHS) and the Brazilian Headache Society (SBC), highlights that the treatment goes beyond immediate relief of symptoms.

“When we talk about treating migraine, we seek not only to reduce physical pain, but also to restore the quality of life for this patient. Treatment involves the use of medications such as anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies, beta-blockers, anticonvulsants and botulinum toxin, as well as lifestyle management, mainly through multidisciplinary monitoring, avoiding substances that act as chronic substances (tea, coffee, stimulant chocolate). By controlling the disease, we can significantly reduce the effects of migraine. Migraine, ” In detail.

The specialist confirms that the effects of the condition extend to other areas of the patient’s life. “The impact goes beyond severe and recurring pain, affecting emotional health, personal relationships, professional life, and even finances,” he warns.

For the doctor, the emotional aspect is particularly sensitive. “The frustration of missing important moments and feeling out of control of one’s body is also linked to depression and low self-esteem. Both conditions share changes in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which are essential for balancing mood and modulating pain. Furthermore, the unpredictability of crises, the severity of symptoms and restrictions on routine can generate feelings of impotence, isolation and frustration, which helps depressive conditions develop or worsen. Thus, this is a two-way relationship: He explains that migraines increase the risk of developing With depression, while depression can increase the severity of pain and the frequency of attacks.

Social implications are also important. “Many patients avoid events, trips or family gatherings for fear of provoking a crisis or because they are unable to cope with symptoms in public places. To relieve symptoms, people with migraine often withdraw, seeking a dark and silent environment, which can be interpreted as social withdrawal,” adds Dr. Tiago, recalling that this occurs more in cases of photophobia, phonophobia or hyperacusis (sensitivity to sounds).

In the professional setting, illness affects attendance and performance. “People who suffer from recurrent attacks may have difficulty maintaining the same performance at work, and need to be absent due to pain, sensitivity to light and sound, or the need for rest. This affects not only individual performance, but also relationships within the team. Recurrent migraines affect several areas: ability to remember, decreased concentration, and difficulty making quick decisions or performing strenuous physical tasks.”

The financial impact is also important. “There are indirect costs related to the loss of working days and professional opportunities. Moreover, from a financial standpoint, there are direct costs with medical consultations, examinations and medications used chronically,” comments Dr. Tiago de Paula. “For all these reasons, migraine should not be viewed as an occasional pain, but rather as a chronic condition that requires adequate diagnosis and continuous monitoring.”