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Migraine in Portugal: Impact and Updated Figures

Migraine in Portugal is a chronic neurological condition that affects a significant portion of the population, with estimates indicating that around 1.5 million Portuguese suffer from the condition.

How many people suffer from migraines in Portugal?

In Portugal, it is estimated that one in five women and one in ten men are affected by migraine. This condition manifests itself through intense headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and hypersensitivity to light and sound.

The impact of migraine on people's quality of life is significant. Studies indicate that 791% of Portuguese patients feel limited in carrying out daily tasks due to migraine. In addition, 811,000,000 people say that migraine affects their social lives, with 391,000,000 saying that it limits hobbies and activities. 

The Cost of Migraine: Economic Impact

Migraine is one of the main causes of absenteeism from work in Portugal. It is estimated that the loss of productivity associated with migraine has a significant economic cost for the country, although the exact figures may vary depending on the studies and methodologies used. 

Woman suffering from migraine in Portugal

Access to Health Care and Treatment for Migraine

Despite the high prevalence of migraine, many sufferers face challenges in accessing adequate healthcare. A survey carried out by MiGRA Portugal revealed that 60% of patients being treated for migraine express dissatisfaction with their treatment, and between 55% and 70% remain unaware of innovative treatment options. 

In addition, around 401,000,000 patients do not receive regular medical care, and 701,000,000 of those who do have to go to the private sector. 

The Main Challenges of Migraine and How to Overcome Them

Migraine is often undervalued by society and is often considered just a headache. This stigma contributes to a lack of understanding and support for sufferers, making early diagnosis and access to effective treatments difficult. 

It is essential to raise awareness of migraine by educating the population and health professionals, so that the condition is recognised as a legitimate and treatable neurological disease.

The Road to a Better Quality of Life

Migraine is a prevalent condition in Portugal, with a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected and on the national economy. It is imperative that strategies are adopted to improve diagnosis, treatment and support for sufferers, combating the associated stigma and promoting a more effective and comprehensive approach to this pathology. If you suffer from migraine and are looking for specialised support, the Doctor on the Net has a dedicated treatment consultation of this condition, helping to improve their quality of life with personalised solutions.

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Dr Alexandra Azevedo

Training: University of Barcelona
No. of doctors: 71409

Biography

Dr Alexandra Azevedo graduated in Medicine from the University of Barcelona in 2015, where she subsequently specialised in General Practice. During her training, she developed a strong interest in the approach to chronic pain, having completed an integrated master's degree in Medicine and Surgery with clinical research into pain management. Her professional experience includes several years of clinical practice in Spain, particularly in Catalonia, where she has had contact with a wide variety of pathologies and challenges, both in the emergency department and in primary healthcare.

She currently works as a family doctor at the ULS Braga. She has been a member of the medical-surgical emergency team at Vila Nova de Famalicão Hospital and has worked as a guest lecturer at the Nursing School of the University of Minho, teaching anatomy and physiology of the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.

Her main clinical interests include emergency medicine, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, as well as preventive medicine and the control of vascular risk factors. She is also dedicated to anti-smoking counselling and weight loss counselling, helping her patients to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. Her approach to care is based on a holistic vision, considering health as a balance between physical and psychological well-being.

Dr Alexandra stands out for her humanism and her ability to offer quick and effective solutions to minor problems, ensuring that her patients feel well looked after. At Médico na Net, she sees an opportunity to bring healthcare to more people in an accessible and convenient way.

Passionate about music and travelling, she loves getting to know different cultures and lifestyles, which enriches her view of the world and her medical practice. For her, medicine is not just a profession, but a real commitment to the well-being of the people she cares for. As she likes to say: "Health is the balance between physical and psychological well-being.