Migraine: Stigma in Society

Abstract

Abstract: Migraine is a prevalent disease with a substantial socioeconomic impact. However, stigma affects social attitude toward migraine, accruing additional burden on individuals with migraine and isolating them from a society that should be supporting them. Purpose of this Review: This review will discuss the following concepts: (1) the emergence of stigma toward migraine and its impact on medical care; (2) internalized stigma among those with migraine and its detrimental effect on quality of life and patient-physician relationships; (3) the structural impact of stigma on research funding, workplace support, and specialized care; and (4) strategies for “rebranding” the disease and alleviating stigma toward migraine. Recent Findings: Recent literature on condition rebranding offers strategies on how to define and communicate migraine to the public. Summary: Rebranding of migraine to alleviate societal stigma is paramount. This involves use of unified language, education, and advocacy.