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Pssssst! I'll let you in on a secret. Although I spend hours every day helping other "headachers," I have days when the pain and all that goes with Migraine Disease really wears me down. For those of you who don't know, I've been having Migraines since I was about six-years-old, and was diagnosed at the age of 12. There have been years at a stretch when preventive meds kept the disease well under control for me. Then there have been times like now, when they just aren't working. Recently, there was a day when I logged onto our forums, and just sat there, unable to think of a single encouraging thing to say. Although I know better, I felt that there was just no progress being made to help Migraineurs and sufferers of other headache disorders. SO, I did one of the things I do best, made a list — a list of some of the advances in the last ten years. Once I got started, I could have kept going for a long time. It also struck me that Migraine research is going to be applicable and helpful to sufferers of other headache disorders as well.
As we're all learning, Migraines are NOT
headaches. They ARE episodes of a chronic Neurological Disease. Sometimes there
is confusion between the CAUSE of Migraine and the TRIGGERS.
For many years, it was thought that abnormally dilated blood vessels caused
migraines. Advances in imaging technology now allow scientists to observe the
brain during a migraine attack. This technology has led to the discovery that
migraine sufferers have unusually excitable brain nerve cells (neurons). When a
migraine is TRIGGERED, those neurons suddenly fire electrical pulses that ripple
from the back of the brain, across the top, then back down to the brainstem
where vital pain centers are located. This "wave" causes blood flow to increase
drastically, then quickly drop off again. The pain of migraine is caused by the
blood vessels inflamed by the swings in blood flow, brainstem stimulation, or
both.
That's the explanation in a nutshell. You can find a complete article about the
cause of Migraine here:
Encouraging Migraine News!
For many years, it was thought that abnormally dilated blood vessels caused migraines. Advances in imaging technology now allow scientists to observe the brain during a migraine attack. This technology has led to the discovery that migraine sufferers have unusually excitable brain nerve cells (neurons) that cause this neurobiological disorder.
http://headaches.about.com/library/weekly/aa062000a.htm
As for the question of a cure, I hope that
anyone who sees or hears someone saying they can "cure" Migraine, will quickly
run the other direction. At this time there is NO cure for our disease. HOWEVER,
there is some good news in this area. Scientists believe they have discovered
the genetic marker for Migraine Disease. In the case of many diseases, this is
the first step toward better treatment and perhaps, eventually, a cure. I rather
doubt that a cure can be accomplished in our lifetimes, but perhaps for our
children. ALSO, identifying the genetic marker may very well lead to better
preventives and abortives for us.
I know it often seems to us that there are no advances being made in Migraine
treatment, and it's really discouraging. When you feel this way, think about
some of the strides taken in the last 10 years:
- In 1993, the first triptan was introduced in the U.S., Imitrex/Sumatriptan injections. This has been followed by Imitrex tablets and nasal spray, Maxalt/Rizatriptan in regular and dissolvable tablets, Zomig/Zolmitriptan in regular and dissolvable tablets, Amerge/Naratriptan, Axert/Almotriptan, and Frova/Frovatriptan.
- In 1997, Migranal Nasal spray was
introduced, providing dihydroergotamine
in this form. - Innovations in imaging equipment allowed
scientists to observe the brain
during a Migraine attack and trace the CAUSE of Migraine - With continuing advancements in imaging
technology, more research is now
possible and more is being conducted - Migraine became officially classified as a NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE.
- A neruochemical link was established between
Clinical Depression and Migraine Disease, meaning better recognition of the
depression problem and better treatment. (47% of Migraineurs have clinical
depression as opposed to just 17% of the general population) For an article to
tell you more about this and the research on the topic, take a look at:
- Beyond the Pain of Migraine
Studies published this month by the American Academy of Neurology show a decreased quality of life for migraineurs and a link between migraine and depression. Once again, it's shown that a migraine is NOT just a headache.
http://headaches.about.com/library/weekly/aa092100a.htm
- Beyond the Pain of Migraine
- As the cause of Migraine has become more widely known, different classes of drugs, such as antiseizure drugs, antidepressants, and the Cox2 Enzyme Inhibitor arthritis medications (Vioxx, Celebrex), are being effectively used as Migraine preventives. Clinical trials are ongoing with many medications to test them as possible Migraine preventives.
- Access to the Internet has made it possible for Migraineurs to be better educated, making them more effective members of our own health care teams.
- Access to the Internet has made it possible for more Migraineurs to give and receive support via online groups.
- President Bush issued a letter to the
International Headache Congress in 2001, saying
"... I applaud your commitment to raising public awareness about the nature of Migraines and other head-pain disorders. By increasing public understanding of these conditions, you contribute to the well-being of our Nation’s citizens." For more information on this, see:- Bush Addresses "Congress"
When the 10th Annual International Headache Congress opened on June 29, President George W. Bush became the first U.S. President to go on record addressing the serious nature of Migraine disease and headache disorders.
http://headaches.about.com/library/weekly/aa071101a.htm
- Bush Addresses "Congress"
- Scientists may have identified the genetic marker associated with Migraine Disease.
- There are organizations working for and with
us to educate ourselves and the public, encourage research, and offer us
support and the hope that goes with knowing We're Not
Alone. Some of those organizations are
- MAGNUM: The National Migraine Association
- ACHE: The American Council for Headache Education
- WHA: The World Headache Alliance
- England's Migraine Trust
- The Migraine Association of Ireland
- Many others . . .
Summary:
With any chronic illness, it's only normal to be discouraged at times. It's easy
to feel that no progress is being made, no hope is on the horizon. Whether
you're a Migraineur or are coping with another chronic headache disorder, when
you have those times that it all seems just too much, take a look at the list
above. Progress is being made, and there definitely is hope — for all of us.
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