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June 6 - 12 has been designated as National Headache Awareness
week for 2010. National Headache Awareness Week (NHAW) was started by the
National Headache Foundation
(NHF), and they continue to organize and sponsor the observation each year.
Don't let the name fool you. Migraine is
definitely included in this observation and the work of the NHF. It can be a bit
confusing, but this area of medicine has long been called "headache medicine,"
and there are times when Migraine is included in the term "headache."
This year, NHAW recognizes the 40th anniversary of
the NHF. You can learn more about the NHF and this year's NHAW events
HERE.
One of the most recent projects of the NHF is a
survey, the findings of which are being released just in time for NHAW...
NEW SURVEY REVEALS CRITICAL DEMAND FOR FAST
Migraine RELIEF
-Experts Urge a Personalized Approach to Managing Complex Disease-
For many of our country's nearly 37 million
Migraine sufferers whose lives are all too often turned upside down by their
Migraines, relief can’t come soon enough. In a new survey released today by the
National Headache Foundation (NHF), three out of four Migraineurs said their
current medication doesn’t work fast enough to get them back to their life when
a Migraine strikes suddenly or upon waking. These findings are being released as
part of National Headache Awareness Week, June 6-12, and the NHF’s 40th
anniversary. The survey was supported by Zogenix, Inc. and Astellas Pharma US,
Inc.
Robert Dalton, executive director of the NHF
stated:
“Migraine knowledge and
treatments have advanced exponentially over the last 40 years, but these new
study findings are a reminder that we have only begun to scratch the surface
of this complex, biological disease. More education, along with awareness
and adoption of the newest treatment options, is critical for Migraine
sufferers who are not experiencing fast relief from their current
medications.”
Headache-related activities such as screenings and
public education forums are being hosted around the country during National
Headache Awareness Week to bring attention to the nationwide problem of headache
and to encourage sufferers to recognize their headache patterns and seek help.
Key Survey Findings
In the national survey, 500 Migraine sufferers
were asked about their Migraine attacks, treatment satisfaction and experiences,
and desired prescription medication attributes:
-
The majority of sufferers
(54%) said their prescription oral Migraine medication is not useful for
every Migraine attack, yet less than 20% use another prescribed medication
when an oral tablet is not an option.
-
Nearly one out of four who don’t
use another prescription medication simply endure their Migraines.
Roger Cady, M.D., vice
president of the NHF board of directors, and director of the Headache Care
Center in Springfield, Missouri, commented:
“It is critical that both
physicians and patients communicate about the nature and impact of the
Migraines so they can choose the best treatment plan for them. Every
Migraine is not the same, so a single treatment approach may not work.
Fast-acting, non-oral treatment options are needed particularly for
those who experience Migraine attacks associated with sudden onset,
waking, nausea or vomiting.”
Additional key findings from
the survey show that:
-
Sufferers Aren’t Satisfied
and Highlight the Need for Speed in Migraine Relief
-
A majority of
sufferers (51%) are dissatisfied overall with their current
medication
-
The most desired
prescription medication attribute offered “the fastest relief possible
regardless of form” (41%), followed by an “ability to use the medication
and return to normal activities” (38%)
-
One Treatment Doesn’t Fit All
Migraine Attacks
-
Rapid onset Migraine was the
most common type of attack, affecting 69% of respondents
-
66% also experience Migraines
with nausea and/or vomiting
-
Patient-Physician Dialogue Isn’t
Translating to Better Treatment
-
Most sufferers (roughly 2/3)
have told their doctor that their prescription oral treatment doesn’t work
for all of their Migraine attacks, yet only one of four say their doctor has
told them they need more than one drug to manage their variable attacks.
-
Sandie Griffin, 55, of Ozark,
Missouri, said, “I have a stressful job, aging parents to check on, and nine
grandchildren whom I love dearly. I am always on the go and don't have time for
a Migraine.” Fortunately, my doctor recently prescribed a new medication that
quickly relieves my pain, and after years of literally losing days at a time to
one headache, I have finally been liberated.”
The Enormous Toll of Migraine
The direct and indirect costs
associated with Migraine are staggering: it is estimated that industry loses $31
billion per year due to absenteeism, lost productivity and medical expenses
caused by Migraine. Furthermore an estimated 157 million workdays are lost
annually because of the pain and associated symptoms of Migraine. The personal
toll of Migraine also is significant: in a recent study, nine out of 10
Migraineurs reported they can’t “function normally” during days in which a
Migraine strikes, and nearly three in 10 required bed rest.
Helping People with Headache
Disorders for 40 Years
June 2010 marks the National Headache Foundation’s 40th anniversary. Over the
past four decades, the NHF has revolutionized the approach to understanding and
treating headache disorders. By advancing Migraine education, funding research,
and fueling new treatment development, the NHF has led the way in this complex
area of medicine. Today, there is a better understanding of the causes behind
headache disorders, more comprehensive education for Migraine sufferers, and a
variety of powerful treatments to tackle this biological disease.
With dozens of public education campaigns, a comprehensive support group
network, online learning modules and toolkits, and a toll-free hotline, the NHF
has assisted millions of Migraineurs seek education and treatment for their
condition. The NHF has also played a central role promoting the education and
research of Migraine with physicians, allied healthcare professionals and health
care policy decision makers.
In closing
Mr. Dalton commented,
“As we celebrate our 40th
anniversary, the National Headache Foundation remains steadfast in our
commitment to improving the lives of people with Migraine by promoting the
advancement of headache education and treatment.”
Congratulations and thanks to the
National Headache Foundation for their work
on behalf of headache and Migraine patients over the last 40 years!
____________
Resources:
Press release. "New Survey Reveals Critical
Demand for Fast Migraine Relief." National Headache Foundation. Chicago. June 7,
2010.
Medical review
by
John Claude Krusz, PhD, MD
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© Teri Robert, 2010. Last updated June 7,
2010 |
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