The mental blocks Robin Wilson-Whiting faces after excruciating migraine attacks can leave her struggling just to string two words together. “I’ve felt like I could just stare at a wall all day . .

. like, there’s nothing going on upstairs,” says the 36-year-old Aucklander. Now, researchers have shed more light on another big barrier for the estimated 640,000 Kiwis living with migraine - getting help.

Of more than 500 people recently surveyed by Migraine Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand, nearly half reported not being able to see a health professional. About half couldn’t access a neurologist, while more than a quarter struggled to even find treatment through a GP, with respondents citing cost, long wait times or simply having appointments declined. They’re problems that Wilson-Whiting, who’s battled regular migraine headaches since her early 20s, knows all too well.

“I’ve definitely had to shop around for a GP who’s understanding of my condition and is able to work with my neurologist to help with my treatment.” The union organiser acknowledged she was lucky to have a flexible job, and to live in a city where she could access a specialist through the hospital. The new study’s lead author, University of Otago senior researcher Dr Fiona Imlach, said most people with migraine disease could be managed in primary care.

“But people can’t always see their GP when they need to.” There were many other patients living with chronic migraine who’d likely b.