MIGRAINE
RELIEF
Join A No-Cost-To-You Research
Study To Possibly End Your Worst Migraine Problems.
Approximately 9 million men and women suffer
from migraine headaches in the United States. There is
nothing more demoralizing than having to deal with frequent
severe headaches. Migraine headaches are not only frustrating
but in many situations disabling. The true cause of migraines
is largely unknown, but doctors believe migraines may be
caused by a chemical or electrical problem in certain parts
of the brain.
What is a Migraine
Headache?
By: Susan Janko, RN, MS, NP
Migraine is much more than just a bad headache. It is a
painful medical condition that affects more than 30 million
Americans and is one of the leading causes of missed time
from school or work.
What causes a migraine? While researchers have not identified
the exact cause of migraine it seems that migraine has
a biological basis and that heredity plays a significant
role.
How does a person know if he or she is experiencing migraines? The International Headache Society (IHS) has developed
useful criteria to distinguish migraine from other types
of headache.
The criteria include:
1. Between 2 and 8 attacks per month
2. Headaches that last 4 to 72 hours
3. Throbbing or pounding head pain, usually on one side
4. Pain increased by movement
5. Accompanying nausea or vomiting, or increased sensitivity
to light, sound and smell.
How can migraine attacks be avoided? Often becoming familiar
with one’s individual headache pattern and triggers
can go a long way in preventing attacks. Headache experts
also recommend having regular mealtimes, waking up at the
same time each morning, not smoking, avoiding excessive
caffeine, and regular exercise.
What treatments are available? In recent years there have
been exciting breakthroughs in the treatment of this painful
and often debilitating disorder. A class of drugs called “triptans” has
been found to effectively relieve migraine pain in a large
number of sufferers. PRI has been in the forefront of research
with these compounds and has been actively involved in
the development of even newer, more effective treatments.
If you or someone you know suffers from migraines we may
be able to help.
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