Eng Migraine
Eng Migraine
Eng Migraine
What is migraine?
A migraine is a relatively common medical condition that can severely affect the quality of life of the sufferer and his or her family and friends.1 Almost 8% of Canadians over the age of 12 have been diagnosed with migraine, of which 75% are women and 25% are men. Migraine is most commonly experienced by both men and women between the ages of 25 and 39.2 There are two different types of migraines: migraines without aura and migraines with aura. A migraine without aura is a condition characterized by moderate to severe throbbing and unilateral pain. The pain is worsened by movement and accompanied by at least one of the following symptoms:3 Nausea, loss of appetite and/or vomiting Photophobia (increased sensitivity to light) Phonophobia (increased sensitivity to sound) Migraines without aura are characterized by sudden onset and can have a major impact on the sufferers daily life.6 On average, untreated migraine episodes last from 4 to 72 hours.5 A migraine with aura involves any number of different sensations that range from visual disturbances to physical sensations.3 The aura symptoms usually occur in alternating body sites during different attacks. Almost always preceding the headache, the aura symptoms can last between 5 and 60 minutes.3 Some people report having a prodrome, a feeling of strangeness a day or two before the attack begins. Prodromes are characterized by mood changes, food cravings, feeling tired or hyperactive, or excessive yawning.4 Some people may also experience fatigue, stiffness in the neck and/or difficulty concentrating.5
Migraine
Migraine
Migraine
keeping your own record of their attacks in a diary. Be as detailed as possible in your notes. Migraines are debilitating and affect the sufferers quality of life.16 In the midst of a migraine, some people are unable to complete everyday tasks and chores, so you can contribute tremendously by helping them clean the house, taking care of errands or preparing a healthy meal. Your aid with chores will also reduce stress which can help prevent future attacks.9, 10 Migraines can significantly hinder ones work performance. In fact, migraine sufferers lose on average 6.5 days of work per year and will record 44 days of working with a migraine headache.17 Migraine sufferers should be encouraged to discuss their condition with their employers. When people are open about their situation, employers tend to be more understanding about their employees absenteeism. Employers may also play an important role in helping prevent future attacks triggered by stress by re-evaluating workloads and deadlines.18 Given that every year approximately 7 million lost workdays in Canada are attributed to migraines, preventing future attacks greatly benefits both the sufferer and the employer.6 As mentioned earlier, only 1 in 12 migraines are diagnosed.6 Remember that migraines can be effectively controlled.4 For additional information on migraines, available treatments, and what you can do to help, please visit: Help for Headaches at: The World Headache Alliance at: The International Headache Society at: www.headache-help.org http://www.w-h-a.org http://www.i-h-s.org
Migraine
References:
1. Frediani F et al. Measure of negative impact of migraine on daily activities, social relationships and therapeutic approach. Neurol Sci 2004;25 Suppl 3:S249-250. 2. Martin S. Prevalence of migraine headache in Canada. CMAJ 2001;164:1481. 3. Ferrari MD. Migraine. Lancet 1998;351:1043-1051. 4. Pryse-Phillips WEM et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of migraine in clinical practice. CMAJ 1997;156:1273-1287. 5. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition. Cephalalgia 2004;24 (Suppl 1):1-152. 6. Gilmour H, Wilkins K. Migraine. Health Reports (Statistics Canada, Catalogue 82-003) 2001;12(2):23-40. 7. Lauritzen M. Pathophysiology of the migraine aura. The spreading depression theory. Brain 1994;117 ( Pt 1):199-210. 8. Weitzel KW et al. Migraine: a comprehensive review of new treatment options. Pharmacotherapy 1999;19:957-973. 9. Davidoff RA. Migraine: Manifestations, Pathogenesis, and Management. 2nd Ed. Oxford University Press.1994. 10. Pryse-Phillips WEM et al. Guidelines for the nonpharmacologic management of migraine in clinical practice. CMAJ 1998;159:47-54. 11. Brandes JL. The influence of estrogen on migraine: a systematic review. JAMA 2006;295(15):1824-1830. 12. Zacur HA. Hormonal changes throughout life in women. Headache 2006;46 Suppl 2:S49-54. 13. Goadsby PJ et al. Migraine - Current understanding and treatment. N Engl J Med 2002;346:257-270. 14. Aukerman G et al. Management of the acute migraine headache. Am Fam Physician 2002;66(11):2123-2130. 15. Narbone MC et al. Acute drug treatment of migraine attack. Neurol Sci 2004;25 Suppl 3:S113-118. 16. Becker WJ et al. Migraine prevalence, diagnosis, and disability. Can J Neurol Sci 2007;34(Suppl 4):S3-S9. 17. Lambert J et al. Impact of migraine symptoms on health care use and work loss in Canada in patients randomly assigned in a phase III clinical trial. Can J Clin Pharmacol 2002;9(3):158-164. 18. Lofland JH, Frick KD. Workplace absenteeism and aspects of access to health care for individuals with migraine headache. Headache 2006;46(4):563-576.