Philosophical aspects of migraine: Headache treatment is a human-to-human service.

Abstract

Migraine is a complex neurobiological disorder that extends beyond physical symptoms to encompass profound mental, emotional and existential dimensions. Despite its prevalence, the philosophical aspects of migraine remain underexplored in scientific research. This review examines migraine through a philosophical lens, addressing questions of pain, suffering, consciousness and communication. It highlights the different perspectives of neuroscientists, clinicians and patients: the former seeks to understand migraine as a neurological dysfunction, while the latter experiences it as an intensely personal and subjective affliction, and the clinicians try to build a bridge. Bridging these perspectives requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating neuroscience, philosophy and patient narratives. Philosophical reflections posed by Nietzsche (How should we confront suffering?), Sartre (existence precedes essence) and Camus (How can we accept the absurdity of life and still continue to embrace life fully?) provide a framework to understand the subjective experience of pain and its meaning in human existence. By considering migraine both as a subjective and objective phenomenon, this work advocates for a holistic, patient-centered approach to treatment. It argues that addressing migraine's multifaceted nature, including its physical, emotional, cultural and existential dimensions, can lead to more meaningful and effective therapeutic strategies. This interdisciplinary exploration aims to inspire clinicians to embrace a more comprehensive and empathetic framework for migraine care, a human-to-human service.