MSP Jackie Baillie believes migraine sufferers are “clearly being let down” as she backs calls for better support and treatment for the condition.

The Dumbarton constituency MSP recently sponsored a Holyrood event, organised by charity The Migraine Trust, and discussed ways to help and boost support for those who live with the potentially debilitating condition.

She said: “Migraines are desperately misunderstood, both by the general public and often by clinicians. It is much more than a headache.

“It is important for people impacted by migraines to speak out about how it disrupts their personal lives and ability to work and the struggles they face to secure treatment.

“Migraines are not being taken seriously as a health condition and many of those suffering are clearly being let down.”

A survey by The Migraine Trust found 29 per cent of respondents had moved from full-time to part-time work due to their migraine and 25 per cent had left a job as a result - rising to a third among those with chronic migraine.

Additionally, 43 per cent felt their workplace had not believed them when they had taken sick leave due to a migraine attack and 34 per cent had felt discriminated against at work.

Rob Music, chief executive of The Migraine Trust, said: “We are pleased to have Jackie Baillie MSP’s support in our campaign for better migraine care in Scotland.

“We know that many people are suffering unnecessarily because of patchy GP knowledge of migraine care and long waiting lists for specialist appointments.

“Improvements to migraine care will have an enormous impact on many people's quality of life, ability to work and wellbeing.”

In the report ‘Heading in the wrong direction’, the Migraine Trust heard from many people who feel health professionals, especially in primary care, do not understand the condition.

Respondents reported having their pain dismissed, being told nothing can be done for them, and waiting years to access treatments, leaving many feeling depressed, frustrated, and unable to cope.

Figures show one in seven adults experience migraines while over one million people in the UK live with chronic migraines - meaning they experience headaches for at least 15 days a month for at least three months and migraine symptoms on most of these days.

The condition stretches beyond headaches and can impact people’s ability to work and maintain relationships, leaving many of those affected feeling isolated.

Sufferers also experience a range of symptoms, such as an inability to tolerate light, chronic vomiting, fatigue and temporary movement, speech, vision and balance issues, and some types of migraine can mimic a stroke.

Misunderstanding of the condition, lack of specialist care, and unequal provision of treatments across health boards mean many are left struggling with debilitating symptoms.