A Migraine is more than just a headache....
More than 50% of people with migraine don't even know they have it.
Today, there are treatments to ease the pain and to stop the attacks. The good news is that you don't have to suffer in silence any more. You can talk to your doctor about getting help.
If you think you or someone you know has migraine, this brochure is for you. If you have migraine, this brochure can help you make a good treatment plan With your doctor.
Or, if you've tried migraine medications but they haven't worked as well as you would like, see your doctor. There are new treatment choices. One might be right for you.
Read this booklet. Bring it to your doctor: Most of an, know that you're not alone. More than 28 million Americans suffer from migraine.
To find out more, keep reading...
What does migraine feel like?
Symptoms

Migraine hits from out of the blue. It can cause:
  • Intense throbbing on one side of the head
  • Tingling and sensitivity to touch
  • Blurry vision
  • Sick stomach and throwing up
  • Light and sound bother you more than normal
Aura

Some people see spots and lights in their eyes before d1e pain hits. This light is called an aura.
Don't all adults get headaches?
Headaches are common.
Many people get headaches. In fact, 90% of men and women will have at least 1 headache per year. The cause is often tension. And as many as 4.5 million people have headaches that return.
There are many kinds of headaches.
Some headaches are caused by stress. Some by food or allergy: Others occur as a side effect of illness or medicine. Most can be treated with simple nonprescription medications you buy at the store.
Migraine is different.
Migraine can be more than just headaches. Migraine often comes with other symptoms such as sick stomach, throwing up, and sensitivity to light and sound. Together these symptoms often result in your not being able to go about your daily life. Your doctor can help treat this serious condition. There is relief.
That's why it's important to read on...
Other types of headaches
Tension: A tight feeling in the head. Can occur in the forehead, back of the head or neck, or in both places at once. Sore shoulders and neck are also common.
Cluster: A series of brief, painful headaches that last 30 to 90 minutes and occur in groups (clusters), one after another. An active period of cluster headaches can last 12 weeks or longer: Symptoms can include stabbing pain in the eye, droopy eye lid, and runny eye or nose on the side where the pain is.
Sinus: A feeling of pressure that comes when sinuses get clogged with mucus, or when membranes swell. Can happen after a cold, sore throat, or hay fever: Many times people with migraine think they have a sinus headache. This is because of where they feel the pain. Eye Strain: Rarely; eye problems cause headaches. If you need glasses or if your eye muscles are weak, you can see a doctor for a simple test. Secondary: This kind of headache is caused by an illness or by medication.
How is migraine diagnosed?
There are no lab tests or x-rays to tell a doctor you have migraine. Instead, a doctor will ask about symptoms and headache history; This is how the condition is diagnosed.
It helps to keep close track of symptoms.
Write down:
  • Date and time of each attack
  • How long the pain lasts
  • Type of pain (ie, dull, sharp, pressure, throbbing)
  • Location of pain
  • Symptoms before the pain began
Also keep track of:
  • Food or drink before headache began
  • Medications you took before headache began
  • Smoke, caffeine, or alcohol before headache began
  • Time you went to bed and got up before headache began
  • If your headache occurs near your period
You may need to have tests to rule out other causes, too.
These can include:
  • .X-rays-using light rays to take picture of the inside of your body
  • .CT scans-using a computer to study the inside of your body
  • .MRI images-using magnets to study the inside of your body
Talk to your doctor about what's right for you.
Why do some people have migraine?
No one knows for sure. Migraine seems to run in families. Also, more women than men have migraine. Some women tend to get more attacks near their period.
What are the triggers for migraine?
Migraine can be caused by many things:
  • Stress
  • Being tired
  • Change in weather
  • Bright lights
  • Allergies
Some foods have chemicals that cause migraine.
These include:
  • Chocolate
  • Caffeine (such as in coffee)
  • Cheese
  • Red wine
  • Nuts
  • Hot dogs, bacon
How is migraine treated?
Migraine is treated a number of ways. You may change your diet, get more rest and avoid stress. There are medications that help with migraine, including over-the-counter medications. Your doctor may also wish to prescribe one to help manage or prevent attacks. If you have tried medications, you may want to ask your doctor if there are new treatments that may be an option for you.
What medications do doctors prescribe?
Types of medications
There are 2 kinds of medications that treat migraine. The first kind provides relief when you are having an attack. You take it as soon as you feel migraine pain begin. The second type--called "preventive"- may be taken daily to reduce the number of attacks. Stick with your treatment You may need to try different treatment plans before you and your doctor find the right one.
Stick with it. It's the only way to find a plan that works for you.
Triptans: A class of medication just for migraine Whether you've been diagnosed with or think you have migraine, there is relief for you. You may want to try a class of medication called "triptans." These medications are the only ones that are made just for migraine. They are meant to work right awa~ And they tend to work well in many sufferers.
Other help
You can make changes in your life. Cut out stress or sleep more. You can get other kinds of help. Some examples are:
  • Acupuncture- using needles on certain body parts to relieve pain
  • Biofeedback- learning how you can control symptoms of migraine
  • Some people take vitamins or get their backs adjusted by an expert called a chiropractor.
Talk to your doctor first to see what's right for you.
What to talk about with your doctor
The first step to relief is talking to your doctor. Whether you know your doctor well or not, it's always good to prepare for your talk. Answer the following questions to help make the time you spend with your doctor as helpful as possible.
  • What impact does migraine have on your daily life?
  • How many days a month do you have migraine pain?
  • How long do your headaches last? Hours? Days?
  • What is your headache like?
  • How bad is it?
  • Where is the pain located? One or both sides of your head? At the back? On top?
How do your headaches affect you?
  • See bnght lights/jagged lines.
  • Become sensitive to light.
  • Feel/become sick to stomach sensitive to sound.
  • Unable to go about your daily activities.
Are there patterns to your headaches?
Do they happen:
  • you're stressed?
  • you eat certain foods?
  • When you don't eat or sleep properly?
  • When you have your period?
  • Any other times?
Recent Harris survey showed that 65% of migraine patients are less than happy with their medicine.
Are you one of them?
With your current medicine, do you:
  • Get complete relief?
  • Need only one dose?
  • Feel able to return to your day?
Don't let migraine keep you down a moment longer. Ask your doctor about treatment options today.
Have any of the following triggered migraine pain?
  • Caffeine
  • Chocolate
  • Perfume
  • Monosodium glutamate (MSG, found in Chinese food and other foods)
  • Menstrual cycle
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Alcohol
  • Stress
  • Aged cheeses
  • Weather changes
  • Other
What, if any; medicine do you take for your headaches?
  • Does it work well or not?
  • Are you taking medicine for other medical conditions?
Is there anything else you can tell your doctor about your migraine pain? If so, make a note of it
Please take these notes with you when you visit your doctor. It will help you describe your migraine pain more effectively.
What if I stop treating migraine?
Some people with migraine go off and on treatment or try different treatments. If you suffer from migraine, you can find relief It's good to talk to your doctor about the medications you've tried. Your doctor may have a better plan for you. You may want to give treatment another tIy. The best thing you can do is go see a doctor to talk about how to control the pain of mIgrame.
Where can I find more facts about migraine?
Many other people have migraine. Reach out and get in touch with others who suffer and with experts in the field. Below are some resources to help you learn about how to manage migraine.
American Council for Headache Education
19 Mantua Road
Mount Royal, NJ 08061
800-255-ACHE (1-800-255-2243)
www.achenet.org
Migraine Awareness Group: A National Understanding for Migraineurs (MAGNUM)
113 South Saint Asaph Street, Suite lOO
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-739-9384
www.migraines.org
National Headache Foundation
428 West SaintJames Place, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60614
800-843-2256
www.headaches.org
National Institutes of Health Neurological Institute
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, :MD 20824
800-352-9424
www.ninds.nih.gov
MigraineRelief.com
www.migrainerelief.com

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