Living with migraines: The silent struggle of millions in Kenya
Migraines often come with a range of symptoms, including throbbing or pulsating headaches, usually affecting one side of the head.
For over a decade, Perpetua Marabu, now in her 40s, has endured the agony of throbbing headaches, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to light and noise. What began as a simple headache and blurry vision during a math lesson in class five has morphed into a life-altering struggle—one she never imagined would persist for this long.
Living with chronic migraines has placed Marabu at the mercy of unpredictable, unbearable pain. Everyday situations—bright lights, loud noises, even minor discomfort—can trigger an episode, leaving her debilitated for hours or days. Despite visiting numerous hospitals in search of a cure, she has yet to find lasting relief. Some of the proposed treatments have been too extreme to bear, all to manage a condition that refuses to loosen its grip.
“I was diagnosed with migraines, and doctors told me the condition was caused by excessive blood loss. I was put on medication several times, but my situation never improved. Eventually, a doctor recommended that I undergo surgery to remove my uterus or fallopian tubes. That was something I simply could not go through with,” she recalls.
Despite the strong support system provided by her parents and husband, living with migraines has been an exhausting and often overwhelming journey. As an employee at the Technical University of Kajiado, she sometimes finds herself stepping out of work meetings to seek relief when the headaches become unbearable. The pain can be so intense that it feels like she is losing her mind.
“One time, I had attended a burial with my colleagues, and on our way back, a severe migraine attack hit me. I started speaking incoherently, saying things that made no sense. Some people couldn’t understand what was happening, but thankfully, my colleagues, who knew about my condition, quickly came to my aid. They bought Panadol Extra, and after taking it, the situation calmed down,” she recalls.
For Marabu, Panadol Extra has become her refuge—the one medication that seems to offer her any relief when the migraines strike. At times, the pain is accompanied by nausea, forcing her to vomit before she can feel any semblance of relief. Though this initially worried her family, over the years, they have come to understand her condition and support her through it.
“When my husband was alive, he took great care of me. He married me knowing about my condition, and even during our hardest moments, he always stood by my side. I am grateful that God blessed me with a son despite the circumstances that spelt otherwise —he has been my pillar of strength throughout this journey.”
Despite the relentless nature of her migraines, Marabu continues to push through life. She experiences frequent attacks, often triggered by factors such as stress, hunger, bright lights, loud noise, and hormonal changes during her menstrual cycle. Even with the constant battles, she remains hopeful, drawing strength from her son and the support of those who love her.
Perpetua Marabu. For over a decade she has endured the agony of throbbing headaches, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to light and noise.
While individuals like Marabu have taken the initiative to identify what triggers their migraines, the majority of people rely on over-the-counter medications without understanding the root cause of their condition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), migraines are a primary headache disorder characterized by recurring headaches.
Douglas Muganyi, a driver, is no stranger to exhaustion. Long hours on the road, unpredictable income, and the constant need to stay connected have trapped him in a cycle of fatigue, headaches, and fleeting moments of digital escape.
With his earphones plugged in and his phone fully charged, he leans against his motorbike during idle hours, eyes glued to the screen. The scorching sun beats down on him, but his mind is elsewhere, lost in a world of series and social media. It’s his only moment of reprieve before another round of ferrying passengers across town.
His day begins before dawn—waking up at 5 am and working deep into the night, sometimes as late as 1 am. By the time he gets home, sleep is no longer a guarantee. If it’s not the pressure of making ends meet, it's the relentless migraines that steal his rest. The pounding headaches come without warning, forcing him to rely on painkillers to power through his shifts.
He’s tried to cut back on the medication, knowing that too much could have consequences. But when the pain is unbearable, he has little choice. The pharmacy is his quick fix, a place he visits too often. Over time, he has figured out which painkillers work best for him.
"I've never visited a hospital to determine the cause of my migraines because I always assumed they were a normal response to the stress of my job."
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Muganyi' struggle is part of a growing trend. Many migraine sufferers like him turn to over-the-counter painkillers for instant relief, unaware that excessive use can worsen their condition. Health experts warn that prolonged self-medication can lead to serious damage to the body's organs like the liver and kidneys.
Dr. Esther Mukuhi from Nairobi has observed that most patients visiting the clinic suffer from headache disorders. However, when tests are recommended, many opt to self-medicate with over-the-counter drugs instead. Alarmingly, some individuals take these medications more than three times a week.
“We strongly discourage people from repeatedly treating migraines or persistent headaches with over-the-counter drugs, especially if the headaches last for more than 72 hours,” she warns.
She emphasizes the importance of undergoing medical tests to determine the underlying causes of migraines, as this allows for proper treatment rather than relying on self-medication.
Migraines often come with a range of symptoms, including throbbing or pulsating headaches, usually affecting one side of the head. Many experience heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or strong smells, making daily activities difficult. Nausea and vomiting are also common, along with blurred vision or visual disturbances known as aura. Some individuals may feel dizzy or lightheaded, struggle with fatigue, and find it hard to concentrate. In some cases, migraines can cause tingling or numbness in the face or limbs.
Mukuhi notes that relying on over-the-counter medication to manage migraines without proper medical guidance can have serious consequences. Frequent use of painkillers, especially more than a few times a week, can lead to medication overuse headaches, where the very medication meant to relieve pain ends up causing more frequent and severe headaches. Over time, the body builds a tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same relief, increasing the risk of dependency.
Long-term self-medication can also mask underlying health conditions that may be triggering the migraines, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment. Some painkillers, particularly those containing caffeine or opioids, can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly, leading to additional discomfort and health complications. Prolonged use may also affect vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, especially when taken in high doses or combined with other medications.
A study on migraines among 711 medical students from a medical school and the Kenya Medical Training Centre was conducted by E.O. Amayo, J.O. Jowi, and E.K. Njeru from the University of Nairobi's Department of Medicine found that headaches are a widespread issue among them. About 88% had experienced at least one headache in the past six months, and 33.8% were classified as having migraines. Among those with migraines, 29% experienced aura, a warning sign before the headache begins.
The average age of the students was 22.7 years, with slightly more females than males. Most suffer from headaches two to three times per month, often triggered by physical activity, emotional stress, or studying. Additionally, 43.6% had a family history of similar headaches.
Despite the high number of students affected, only 40% had sought medical help in the past year. Many relied on self-medication, with 56% avoiding doctor visits. Only a small percentage (11%) were on medication, mostly painkillers, and just two students were receiving proper migraine treatment.
The study highlights a concerning trend—many students are not getting the right treatment despite the availability of effective options, relying instead on self-medication, which may not always be safe or effective.
Research estimates that migraine headaches affect approximately 33.8% of the population in Kenya, based on studies conducted among Kenyan students. This suggests a significant number of people in the country experience migraines.
Migraines are a major cause of disability worldwide, linked to strokes, which remain the second leading cause of death globally. Studies indicate that migraines with aura increase the risk of ischemic strokes, while those without aura are more closely linked to hemorrhagic strokes.
WHO notes that headache disorders affect around 40% of the global population—approximately 3.1 billion people as of 2021—and are more common in women than men. They rank among the top three most prevalent neurological conditions across various age groups, from childhood (age five) to older adulthood (age 80). Despite some regional differences, headache disorders impact people of all races, income levels, and geographical locations.
These conditions can significantly reduce quality of life, leading to physical discomfort, emotional distress, and financial strain. The unpredictability of headaches, combined with the constant fear of an attack, disrupts family life, social interactions, and work productivity. Long-term struggles with chronic headaches can also increase the risk of developing other health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which are more common among migraine sufferers than the general population.
Despite their widespread prevalence, many individuals with migraines do not receive proper diagnosis or treatment. Effective management of headache disorders requires trained healthcare professionals, accurate diagnosis, access to affordable medication, lifestyle adjustments, and patient education.
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