Sunday, September 03, 2006
Migraine Awareness Week 2006
Migraine is a hidden condition; sufferers do not have a “badge” to make others aware of their condition such as a row of stitches or a plaster cast; they do not attract attention with dramatic or life threatening symptoms and tend to withdraw from society during an attack.
Although there are no obvious external signs of illness, a migraine attack can be extremely painful and debilitating. A broken bone can attract a good deal of sympathy but may not be painful as a single migraine attack.
Ann Turner, Director of the Migraine Action Association, MAA, comments: “Because of the nature of the symptoms it is very common for migraine sufferers to shut themselves away in a quiet, darkened room during an attack, so others seldom see how ill they are. Also, as sufferers are perfectly well between attacks it can be difficult for non-sufferers to understand or appreciate the impact the condition can have on quality of life."
Ann continues: “During Migraine Awareness Week, MAA aims to help more people to better understand the hidden suffering of migraine and its implications.”
Migraine affects more than six million people in the UK and is more prevalent than diabetes, asthma and epilepsy combined. However, it remains misunderstood and widely regarded as “just a headache”.
Although there is no cure for migraine, it can be effectively managed. This campaign also aims to help sufferers to understand the triggers, symptoms and treatment options.
Migraine can consist of five phases: the prodome (warning phase), aura (neurological disturbances), headache, the postdrome and recovery, which together can last for 4-72 hours and may leave some sufferers feeling “washed out” for a couple of days after that.
Other Awareness Raising activities include:
Although there are no obvious external signs of illness, a migraine attack can be extremely painful and debilitating. A broken bone can attract a good deal of sympathy but may not be painful as a single migraine attack.
Ann Turner, Director of the Migraine Action Association, MAA, comments: “Because of the nature of the symptoms it is very common for migraine sufferers to shut themselves away in a quiet, darkened room during an attack, so others seldom see how ill they are. Also, as sufferers are perfectly well between attacks it can be difficult for non-sufferers to understand or appreciate the impact the condition can have on quality of life."
Ann continues: “During Migraine Awareness Week, MAA aims to help more people to better understand the hidden suffering of migraine and its implications.”
Migraine affects more than six million people in the UK and is more prevalent than diabetes, asthma and epilepsy combined. However, it remains misunderstood and widely regarded as “just a headache”.
Although there is no cure for migraine, it can be effectively managed. This campaign also aims to help sufferers to understand the triggers, symptoms and treatment options.
Migraine can consist of five phases: the prodome (warning phase), aura (neurological disturbances), headache, the postdrome and recovery, which together can last for 4-72 hours and may leave some sufferers feeling “washed out” for a couple of days after that.
Other Awareness Raising activities include:
- National Conference for anyone with an interest in migraine at the CBI
Conference Centre, New Oxford Street, London on Saturday 2nd September 2006.
- To launch this year’s Migraine Awareness Week, 1,000 balloons will be
released from Asda in Corby, Northants (close to the MAA office) on Sunday 3rd
September. Tickets are available for £1 each from the office or from our shop on
the website. The balloon travelling the furthest by 30th September will win a
£50 prize.
- Posters promoting the An Invisible Illness campaign will be on
display throughout the UK together with leaflets which provide more information
on understanding and managing migraine. Posters and leaflets are available from
MAA.
- To support the European “Migraine Day of Action” on 12th September
MAA will be hosting ten weblogs on their website. These blogs will report on the
progress of migraine sufferers who have decided to take “action” to improve
their migraine management, for example by taking a different medication, trying
a preventative therapy or a making a lifestyle change.
