A local MSP has sponsored a Scottish Parliament reception on the theme of providing more support for people who are living with migraine.
Jackson Carlaw, who represents Eastwood, was the lead MSP sponsor for the drop-in event organised by The Migraine Trust at Holyrood to allow patients to share their experiences with politicians and discuss what further steps can be taken to support people living with the condition.
Across the UK, around 10 million people are thought to experience migraines and this includes approximately 780,000 individuals resident in Scotland.
To coincide with Migraine Awareness Week in September, The Migraine Trust published a new report and set out a number of measures that could improve patient care.
The recommendations include health boards reviewing whether the current service on offer best meets the needs of migraine sufferers, a national audit of migraine data to establish any gaps in reporting and accessibility of treatments and public awareness campaigns on the condition.
The report highlights that Freedom of Information requests submitted by The Migraine Trust found waiting times for specialist migraine care in Scotland increased from 9 weeks in 2021 to 29 weeks in 2023.
The report makes particular mention of the work taking place in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – the health board area for East Renfrewshire – on migraine care including discussions about the most effective use of medications and preparations for a new low pressure headache pathway.
Jackson Carlaw submitted a parliamentary motion in September in recognition of Migraine Awareness Week and the ongoing work of The Migraine Trust to support people who are living with the condition.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw said:
“As someone who is living with migraine, I fully appreciate the impact of the condition when experiencing an episode and I was delighted to sponsor The Migraine Trust drop-in event at Holyrood.
“The charity carries out incredibly important work on a continual basis and the excellent report published in September is a hugely significant contribution towards assessing what improvements can be made with migraine care.
“I was pleased to read in the report some of the work that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is taking forward and I hope this will result in enhanced support for any Eastwood residents who are having to manage the condition.”