Migraine affects millions in Latin America and remains underrecognized

Mexico.- Migraine, a chronic and disabling neurological disorder that affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, continues to be underrecognized and undertreated, despite being among the leading causes of disability, revealed a survey conducted by the American Health Foundation (AHF). In Latin America, and particularly in Mexico, the disease represents a significant burden by disrupting work, education, and the overall well-being of patients, especially during the most productive years of their lives.

“Despite its high prevalence, especially in women, many people remain undiagnosed or receive fragmented care. They face high personal costs, limited insurance coverage, and difficult access to specialized services, which shows the urgency of greater recognition, timely diagnosis, and equitable access to treatment,” explained Dr. Martha García, medical leader of Migraine at Pfizer Mexico.

The survey, applied between February and August 2025 in seven countries of the region (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru), documented experiences of patients with moderate to severe migraine.

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Of the Mexican participants, 76% were women and 41.2% were between 25 and 44 years old, a labor-active stage. Migraine episodes vary in duration: 44% reported crises lasting more than nine hours and 8.4% more than 72 hours. In addition, 25% waited more than five years to obtain a diagnosis and 28% still have not received it. Migraines also affect daily life: 57.9% of respondents reported alterations in their leisure activities, 53.8% in their daily tasks, and seven out of ten experience after-effects such as fatigue or lack of concentration. The emotional impact is equally high: 58% reported frustration or anger, while 39.5% mentioned depression or sadness. Regarding treatment, 52.1% felt little or not at all informed about their therapeutic options, and one in three expressed dissatisfaction with the care received. 43.7% stated that their symptoms were minimized or ignored before obtaining a diagnosis. The study underscores the need to train professionals for early diagnosis, expand access to evidence-based therapies, include psychological support, and create support networks.

“Migraines are not invisible to those who experience them, but the patient’s journey is long and full of stereotypes. We need to transform this knowledge into actions that recognize the condition as a disabling disease, with real impacts on people’s lives,” concluded García.