On 12 September, European Migraine Day is celebrated, a date dedicated to raising awareness of this chronic neurological disease, recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The disease affects approximately 1 in 7 Portuguese people, but continues to be undervalued, with many people turning to self-medication without seeking medical evaluation.
Holon Pharmacies, in partnership with AbbVie and the MiGRA association, are promoting the campaign "4 is a sign. More than 4 is not normal", which includes screening sessions in pharmacies across the country. The goal is to identify people with a migraine-compatible profile and encourage them to seek medical follow-up when the frequency of attacks is no longer considered normal.
Migraine attacks are characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headache, lasting between 4 and 72 hours, usually located on one side of the head. These attacks are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and/or sound. Diagnosis is essentially clinical and, when made early, allows for the initiation of the most appropriate treatment, including preventive treatment options.
The campaign recommends that people keep a diary of attacks with systematized information about frequency, date, time of onset, duration, intensity, location of pain, associated symptoms, and triggering factors. If someone has 4 or more attacks per month, they should seek advice from their pharmacist or doctor.