In Migraine Hell: “The attacks are so intense that I sometimes faint from the pain”
Interview by Léane Madet
Published on
Migraine is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most disabling diseases. GUIDO MIETH / GETTY IMAGES
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Testimony While World Migraine Day takes place on June 21, this condition, which affects more than 10 million French people, remains largely underestimated. Testimony of Diane, 45, who is disabled due to her migraines.
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Migraine is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most disabling diseases. In 2022, the association La Voix des Migraineux conducted a study, published in April 2025 in the journal "The Journal of Headache and Pain", on the care pathway for migraine sufferers which revealed how long and complicated the management of this pathology is: average diagnosis time of 7.5 years after the first attacks, consultation with 2.7 health professionals before obtaining it, lack of listening in the caregiver-patient relationship... In total, 36% of respondents spoke of a real "obstacle course". This is particularly the case for Diane, 45 years old, who has been on category 2 disability for two years. She testifies:
“I've had migraines since childhood, and it's always had a huge impact on my life. Work, relationships... Everything is complicated! Even as a child, I was often absent from school—at least once a week starting in elementary school. I had stomach aches, nausea, headaches... Pain that was attributed to stress. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 18. I have what is specifically called chronic migraine with aura, which...
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