MP highlights 'life-ruining' impact of migraines

Dehenna Davison raised the issue in Parliament

A north-east MP highlighted the "life-ruining" impact of migraines during a Parliamentary debate.

Dehenna Davison, representing Bishop Auckland, secured the first debate on the subject since the 1960s.

Sharing the impact chronic migraines have had on her life, Ms Davison told MPs on Wednesday how she was forced to give up her role as a parliamentary undersecretary.

She said improving access to treatment would be a "lifeline" for many, as the minister for health said the government is committed to supporting sufferers.

Opening the Westminster Hall debate, Conservative MP Ms Davison said: "Migraine is not just a headache.

"It is a complex, neurological spectrum condition, of which a headache is one possible symptom.

"This is a very strong message to anyone suggesting migraine attacks can be cured with a couple of paracetamol - it is time to learn and to be better."

Constituents' experiences were shared along with MPs' own as the debilitating impact of migraines was repeatedly highlighted.

Excruciating pain

Ms Davison said new treatments, such as CGRP blockers, were proving effective but suggested a postcode lottery of funding was preventing some patients from accessing them.

She said some were waiting years to see specialists while living with "excruciating pain".

"People are missing work, cancelling arrangements with friends, missing out on social experiences that they have been looking forward to and feeling like they are a burden on their family," she added.

"They are losing friends and relationships and feeling like they are losing their mind."

Calling on the government's minister for health and secondary care to meet her and representatives from the National Migraine Centre and the Migraine Trust, the MP said: "We want to ensure that migraine patients across the whole of the UK have access to the best possible treatment."

The minister, Andrew Stephenson, praised Ms Davison for championing those living with migraines and highlighted the importance of timely access to effective care.

He said he would be happy to look into concerns around access to treatment, adding that the government is committed to reducing waiting lists and investing in research and new treatments to "ensure we are delivering real results for patients on the ground."