Migraine Action Plan Could Help Millions Of Sufferers Find A Positive Way Out Of Migraine

Main Category: Headache / Migraine
Article Date: 14 Oct 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Migraines can be a debilitating condition and affect around 15% of the UK population, over 70% of whom are women. Recent research undertaken by Imigran Recovery reveals that over 81% of migraine sufferers cannot always control their migraine attacks while 71% say migraines leave them unable to function.

For the 81% who are unable to control their migraines, a new interactive tool www.migraineactionplan.co.uk has been developed. This helps sufferers to create their own migraine management strategies based on a review of not just their physical symptoms, but also the impact their migraines have on their time and finances. Sufferers can identify their personal triggers and review the effectiveness of their current treatment. If their current strategies do not provide sufficient control of their migraines, sufferers are encouraged to speak to their pharmacist to find out more about migraine-specific treatments.

Launching in September 2008, the Migraine Action Plan (www.migraineactionplan.co.uk) will help sufferers..

• Calculate the equivalent cost in earnings they lose to migraines every year
• Calculate the impact migraines have on their life; including how many hours they lose to migraines every year
• Develop a personalised plan to help prepare for, manage and understand their migraines

The Migraine Action Plan www.migraineactionplan.co.uk not only helps people understand the impact migraines have on their lives, but also the impact this has on their families, partners, friends and colleagues. Research reveals that 87% of sufferers say their migraines affect their partner and 71% say they impact their children. Sufferers may well be surprised just how much migraines can impact and interfere with their life.

"Many sufferers find it difficult to cope with everyday life when a migraine strikes," says Dr Anne MacGregor, Director of Clinical Research at the City of London Migraine Clinic. "Many sufferers are not receiving full relief from their migraine symptoms with their current treatment. The Migraine Action Plan will help sufferers re-assess their treatment options and understand the real impact migraines have on their work, social or home life. The more people know about their personal triggers and symptoms, the better equipped they will be for a migraine attack."

Research revealed that around half of all migraine sufferers feel their migraines affect their performance at work and interfere with social occasions. Such is the case for Laura Biggs, 28, a legal secretary from West Sussex, who has suffered from migraines since she was a small child. "I'm always worried that I'll get a migraine when I'm out. I had to leave my friend's 30th birthday party due to a migraine because I felt so awful. I'd been looking forward to it for weeks so I was really upset when I had to go home and miss out on the celebrations."

http://www.migraineactionplan.co.uk