For the month of June the goal is to raise awareness, address the stigma and build a stronger community of advocates. Migraine disease is one of the 20 most disabling medical illnesses in the world and the 12th most disabling disorder in the United States. More than 90% of migraine suffers can’t function normally during an attack.1 Migraine is an extraordinarily prevalent neurological disease, affecting 39 million men, women and children in the U.S. and 1 billion worldwide.5
Migraine Basics
Migraine is a genetic neurological disease, characterized by episodes often called Migraine attacks. They are quite different from regular headaches which are non-migrainous. Migraine sufferers may have moderate or severe pain and usually can’t participate in normal activities because of the pain. Many people experience migraines lasting for at least four hours or may last for days. The diagnosis usually happens if people have a combination of symptoms and doctors have ruled out other disorders.2
Build a Support Network
Migraine is a disabling disease that no one should have to go through alone. It’s essential to build a support network of understanding people who can not only empathize with your experience but be a helping hand during episodes. While there are a multitude of online support groups, talking with your friends and family about your experience will help since they are an invaluable resource to help you get through migraine attacks.3
Unusual Symptoms Related to Migraines
Some symptoms below aren’t associated with ‘regular’ migraine or headache episodes. Understanding all types of symptoms per episode can help recognize an episode before, during, and after it happens if ‘regular’ symptoms aren’t present.
Cold hands, feet and/or nose
Tooth sensitivity
Eye irritation
Frequent urination
Stuffy nose
Physical weakness
Inability to comprehend written or spoken information
Hearing loss or decreased hearing
Hallucinating voices
Hypersensitivity to touch
Mood changes (sometimes dramatic)
Irritability
Trouble regulating temperature
Night sweats
Nightmares
Blacking out
Black circles under eyes
Diarrhea
Confusion
Increased thirst
Blood pressure changes
Goosebumps
Facial swelling 4
For more information regarding National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month 2020 click here.
Tria Health and Migraines
Tria Health’s Pharmacy Advocate Program offers one-on-one, private consultations with a Tria Health Pharmacist. Your pharmacist will work with you and your doctor(s) to ensure you’re getting the intended outcomes from your medications.
Have any questions?
Contact the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742
Sources:
https://migraine.com/living-migraine/yes-migraine-is-a-disability/
https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/why-you-need-migraine-support-network/
https://migraine.com/blog/i-had-no-idea-that-was-a-symptom/?via=recommend-reading
https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/