-
"We're going to identify needs in this
area and put together educational materials for patients and health care
providers. From that, we'll be able to give people good education,
lifestyle tips, and information on how to maintain a good quality of live
while living with Menstrual Migraine."
Suzanne Simons
Executive Director, National Headache Foundation
The National Headache Foundation
(NHF) has announced the formation of the National Menstrual Migraine Coalition
to raise awareness of a distinct, but little known Migraine condition, estimated
to affect nearly 13 million women in the U.S. Menstrual Migraines are often
severe, long-duration Migraines that have a higher probability of recurrence
than other Migraines. The NHF has assembled a group of leading headache
specialists and others to form the coalition. The National Menstrual Migraine
Coalition is sponsored through an educational grant from Endo Pharmaceuticals. A
special web site for the Coalition has been set up at
www.menstrualmigraine.org. Tennis pro Serena Williams, who suffers with Menstrual Migraines is acting as a spokesperson for the Coalition.
“Women often tolerate menstrual Migraine pain without understanding that it is
treatable,” said Suzanne Simons, executive director of the National Headache
Foundation. “Women will be able to get the information they need at our web site
and then talk to their healthcare providers if they think they might suffer from
menstrual Migraines.”
Up to 60 percent of Migraines in women are menstrually related. Menstrual
Migraines can have a serious and debilitating impact on women’s lives because
they last longer than other Migraines, come back more often and are harder to
treat. Many women may not realize that the severe, recurring headache they get
during menstruation could be a menstrual Migraine. Women who experience
headaches around their period for three months or longer should definitely
consult their doctors.
“Doctors and patients alike should be better informed about the signs and
symptoms of menstrual Migraine,” said Larry Newman, M.D., Director of the
Headache Institute at Roosevelt Hospital, and Chair of the National Menstrual
Migraine Coalition. “If we can improve awareness of menstrual Migraine as a
distinct condition, diagnosis should improve, and more women will gain access to
appropriate treatment.”
The coalition will help educate both patients and healthcare providers about the
prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of menstrual Migraines. Among its
activities, it will survey women Migraine sufferers to identify their needs and
then help to educate patients and their healthcare providers about how to better
manage this unique type of Migraine. Information on headache causes and
treatment is available at the NHF web site, www.headaches.org.
Menstrual Migraine
Menstrual Migraines can be classified in two types: pure menstrual Migraines and
menstrually related Migraines (MRM). Pure menstrual Migraines occur exclusively
during menstruation. Women who suffer from MRM consistently experience Migraines
during their menstrual cycle but may also suffer from Migraines at other times
of the month. Menstrual Migraine pain can disrupt a women’s ability to function
for up to three days at a time. While the exact causes of menstrual Migraine are
uncertain, the drop in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle may trigger a
menstrual Migraine.
Summary
Kudos to the National Headache Foundation for forming the National Menstrual
Migraine Coalition and to Endo Pharmaceuticals for the grant funding the
project. One of the most frustrating things women have told me is that their
doctors have actually recommended a hysterectomy as treatment for their
Menstrually Associated Migraines (MAM). Unfortunately, I've that advice is still
given all too frequently, and it's not the answer. There is no guarantee that a
hysterectomy will reduce the frequency or severity of MAM. In fact, a
hysterectomy could increase the frequency and severity or make no difference at
all. It's time for this educational initiative. Bravo.
____________
References:
Press Release: "National Headache Foundation
Announces First Menstrual Migraine Coalition to Educate Millions of Women and
Their Healthcare Providers." Chicago. April 12, 2005.
Telephone Interview: Suzanne Simons, Executive
Director, National Headache Foundation. April, 2005.
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