According to the Migraine Research Foundation, 38 million Americans suffer from migraines. Symptoms of this debilitating neurological disease are detailed on the Execedrin website hosted by Novartis --
Major symptoms:
- Pulsating or throbbing sensation with severe pain, often on one side of the head
- Nausea in 80% of sufferers
- Vomiting in 50% of sufferers
- Light sensitivity, or photophobia
- Sound sensitivity, or phonophobia
- Clamminess
- Light-headedness
Other symptoms:
- Limited clarity in speech or thinking ability
- Weakness, numbness or pain on one side of the body
Medication is a common form of treatment, but many insurance companies limit monthly prescription doses, often to only four pills. However, chronic migraine suffers can be inflicted with attacks 15 days out of the month. This is a huge problem for those who cannot afford the high out-of-pocket prices of these prescriptions once they’ve run out of the pills covered by insurance.
While there are no universal triggers, some common factors are stress, bright sunlight, and changes in barometric pressure. Tips for coping with migraine headaches include:
- Consistently getting sufficient sleep at regular times
- Yoga, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation in dark rooms
- An ice pack wrapped in a cloth and applied to the back of the neck
- Working with a doctor to start a medication schedule
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding trigger foods and drinks
Currently, there are new studies that show some patients finding comfort in experimental light therapy. WebMD reports that researchers found headache pain intensified by blue light, whereas light sensitivity was decreased significantly by a narrow spectrum of low-intensity green light. Some migraine sufferers found their pain reduced by 20 percent.
Migraines cause significant pain and interfere with the everyday lives of millions of Americans — people cannot function and their routines are severely disrupted. Globally, migraines are the sixth most disabling disease.
It’s disturbing that many scrimp on their migraine drugs in fear that they’ll run out. This is harmful behavior. Cost should never be the reason someone doesn’t take their much needed medication. Migraine sufferers shouldn’t suffer more because they can’t afford their medication.
Lawrence R. Johnson, MD, FCAP, FASCP of Tulsa, Oklahoma adds, "I hope that as our understanding deepens of the cause(s) of migraine headaches that more effective preventative medications will become available. One size does not fit all, which may suggest that there is either more than one mechanism or cause and/or that there is more than one actual disease."
Co-authored with Jordan Sessler, Co-Founder & President of USA Medical Card, where Lisa works in communication and business development.