Migraine sufferers live under the constant threat of a migraine attack. Long-term planning is severely limited for those affected, as they must be prepared to be sidelined for one to three days, both at work and in their leisure time. Furthermore, a large proportion of migraine sufferers lack information and support regarding the condition. Due to this lack of knowledge and awareness, migraine attacks represent a significant individual burden. The unpredictability of migraine attacks means that with frequent and treatment-resistant attacks, daily life is severely impacted not only during the attacks themselves, but also between them, as there is a constant fear that a sudden attack will derail personal plans. Self-confidence, self-esteem, quality of life, and activities can therefore be affected not only during an attack, but also between them. Moreover, it is not only the sufferers themselves who are affected. Work, family life, and social life are all impacted by migraines.
Making firm plans is difficult, as a new attack can occur at any time. Reliability in social interactions is low; joint planning is often impossible. Furthermore, the recognition of migraine as an illness and disability is generally low in society. Consequently, patients are often labeled as malingerers or shirkers. As a result, all areas of life are affected by migraine attacks, not only during the attack itself, but also, and especially, between attacks. The migraine attack, which is a particular disability for the affected person, certainly represents the tip of the iceberg. However, the real problem, with a significantly greater impact over time, lies in the periods between attacks.