Introduction
Migraines, a chronic and debilitating neurological disorder, predominantly affect women in Mexico, a country with high prevalence rates. Despite its significant impact on patients’ mental health and productivity, migraines often go unrecognized, undertreated, and face barriers such as high personal costs, limited insurance coverage, and difficult access to specialized services. This issue is highlighted by a recent American Health Foundation (AHF) survey conducted across seven Latin American countries.
The AHF Survey and Its Findings
The American Health Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Washington D.C., aimed to bridge the gap between public and private sectors to address healthcare access barriers in Latin America. The survey, conducted between February and August 2025 across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru, aimed to document the situation regarding migraines in the region.
The survey results revealed significant challenges faced by patients in obtaining diagnoses, appropriate treatment, and maintaining quality of life.
Migraines in Mexico: Key Findings
Demographics:
- 41.2% of participants with migraines are between 25 and 44 years old, indicating they are in a productive life stage.
- 37.6% of participants are over 55 years old.
- 76% of survey respondents were women, confirming that they are the most affected group.
Duration of Migraine Episodes:
- 15.1% of episodes last less than 4 hours.
- More than 44% of participants reported crises exceeding 9 hours.
- 8.4% experienced episodes longer than 72 hours, severely impacting their quality of life and productivity.
Diagnostic Delays:
- 25.2% of participants waited more than five years for a diagnosis.
Presenteeism:
- More than half of the participants (52.9%) did not miss work in the past month, despite severe disruptions to their daily life caused by migraines.
- More than half of the participants reported that leisure activities (57.9%) and daily tasks (53.8%) are often or always affected.
Emotional and Psychological Impact:
- 58% of patients frequently experienced anger or frustration.
- 39.5% reported depression or sadness due to migraines.
Common Symptoms and Their Severity
The most frequent and severe symptoms include:
- Unilateral stabbing pain: 67.2%
- Light and sound sensitivity: 73.1%
- Prolonged attacks: 64.7%
More than a third of participants experienced between 1 and 3 migraines per month, while 26% had migraine days for 4 to 14 times a month. Eight percent lived with chronic migraines, enduring headache days for 15 or more times a month.
Between 64% and 73% of participants reported frequent or always experiencing key symptoms like prolonged headaches, unilateral stabbing pain, and light or sound sensitivity.
Early Warning Signs and Postdrome Effects:
- 55% experienced prodromal symptoms, but many still struggled to identify triggers.
- 7 out of 10 participants dealt with postdrome effects (fatigue, confusion, and lack of concentration) after most attacks, highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of migraine care.
Dissatisfaction with Treatment:
- One-third of participants were dissatisfied with their current migraine treatments and sought better care options.
- 43.7% felt their symptoms were minimized or ignored by healthcare professionals before diagnosis, indicating a lack of awareness among healthcare providers.
Impact on Professional Growth and Performance:
- 37% of participants reported reduced productivity.
- 9% frequently missed work.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What demographic groups are most affected by migraines in Mexico?
A: Women aged 25 to 44 and those over 55 are significantly impacted. - Q: How long do migraine episodes typically last?
A: While some last less than 4 hours, more than 44% of episodes exceed 9 hours, and 8.4% last over 72 hours. - Q: How long do patients typically wait for a migraine diagnosis?
A: 25.2% of patients wait more than five years for a diagnosis. - Q: How do migraines affect work attendance?
A: Despite severe disruptions, 52.9% of participants did not miss work in the past month. - Q: What are the most common and severe migraine symptoms?
A: Unilateral stabbing pain, light and sound sensitivity, and prolonged attacks are frequently reported as severe. - Q: How do migraines impact mental health?
A: 58% of patients frequently experience anger or frustration, and 39.5% report depression or sadness due to migraines. - Q: How satisfied are patients with their migraine treatments?
A: One-third of participants expressed dissatisfaction and sought better care options. - Q: How do migraines affect professional growth and performance?
A: 37% of participants reported reduced productivity, and 9% frequently missed work.
