Swansea woman's migraines dismissed by GP as 'dramatic'
A Swansea woman shares her struggle with chronic migraines, highlighting the debilitating nature of the condition and the lack of understanding from medical professionals. She emphasizes that migraines are a complex neurological condition rather than just a headache, affecting various bodily functions.
Why it matters
It sheds light on the systemic dismissal of chronic pain conditions and the urgent need for better neurological healthcare support.
Image source, Lauren Evans Image caption, Lauren Evans was just seven years old when she started getting chronic migraines
Warning: This article contains details of mental health struggles including references to suicide
When Lauren Evans told her doctor she was suicidal because of the "pure agony" of her chronic migraine, she was told she was being dramatic.
Lauren, 29, was seven when she got her first migraine and went on to have them regularly - by the time she was 24, they were happening every day.
"People need to understand that a migraine is a full body experience," she said.
Migraines are often misunderstood as "just a headache" despite being a neurological condition that can leave people unable to work, socialise or function in everyday life, according to a migraine expert.
The Welsh government said it was working to improve access to neurological services.
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