November 28, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For an estimated 12% (4.5 million) of Canadians, that’s society’s harsh judgment of people living with migraine. Join Migraine Canada as we recognize this disease for what it is. For some, migraine is disabling and debilitating, robbing them from daily life and the simple things people who live with migraine take for granted.

Migraine Canada needs Canadians’ support to help Canadians living with migraine and headache disorders receive diagnosis, treatment, and support so their quality of life is optimized. Canadians’ gifts will enable Migraine Canada to develop and maintain programs to provide support to people living with and afflicted by migraine.

Quote: “Migraine is a common misunderstood and disrespected disease. This is the time to end the stigma Canadians face on a daily basis and put migraine on the map.” Wendy Gerhart, Executive Director

Quote: ”Dr. Elizabeth Leroux, Neurologist & Board Chair of Migraine Canada.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) migraine is:

  • The first cause of years lived with disability (YLDs) in people under 50 years of age.
  • The third most common medical condition in the world.
  • A severe migraine attack is as disabling as being quadriplegic, psychotic, or in the terminal stage of cancer.

Migraine affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. Its intensity, frequency, symptoms, triggers, and response to treatments are very diverse, and over one’s lifetime has a significant impact on work, family, and social activities. Despite its high prevalence and huge burden of disability and economic impact to our society, this invisible disease is often misunderstood, and trivialised compared to other chronic medical conditions. Funding for clinical care and research is only a small fraction of what it should be, considering its societal impact.

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Migraine Canada is a nationally-registered charity organization dedicated to improving the lives of all Canadians living with migraine and other headache disorders. Our vision is to see that all Canadians living with migraine and headache disorders are diagnosed, treated and supported so their quality of life is optimized. Learn more at migrainecanada.org

Media inquiries: Contact Wendy Gerhart at [email protected]