Migraines affect about 12% worldwide and are more common in women than men. If you struggle with migraines a clinical study could help.
Once upon a street in a neighborhood near you lived a mom named Amy. She had two young children and loved spending time with them and watching them grow, but she often struggled with frequent migraine headaches.
Amy's migraines would come on suddenly, and sometimes they were so intense that she couldn't do anything but lie down in a dark, quiet room.
When this type of migraine hit, she couldn't take care of her children, cook dinner, or do anything else. Which led to Amy feeling anxious about not knowing when a migraine would suddenly hit and the severity of it if it did.
Amy's husband did his best to help out, but he had a demanding job, and he couldn't always be there to take care of the kids. Amy felt guilty that she couldn't be the mom she wanted to be, and she was worried that her children were missing out on quality time with their mother.
Amy tried everything to prevent her migraines, but nothing seemed to work. She changed her diet, got more sleep, and reduced her stress levels, but the migraines persisted.
Finally, Amy decided to see a neurologist who specialized in treating migraines. The neurologist prescribed medication to help prevent the migraines and provided Amy with a treatment plan that included lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and medication.
Her neurologist also recommended a clinical research study which Amy qualified and participated in. This worked well for her because she received an investigative medication that was not available to other patients. The research study near her house and she received compensation of nearly $1,000 for her time and travel for participating. She also liked the idea that by volunteering she helps new migraine medications earn FDA approval and can help other mothers and future generations not feel as helpless about migraines.
Over time, Amy's migraines became less frequent and less severe. She was able to spend more time with her children and enjoy their childhood without the constant worry of a migraine attack.
Although Amy's migraines never fully went away, she learned how to manage them and enjoy life with her family despite the challenges. She learned that it was okay to ask for help and that there was no shame in taking care of herself first.
Unfortunately, Amy’s story happens more than you would think. Migraines are a common condition, affecting about 12% of the population worldwide. They are more common in women than men, and they often start in adolescence or early adulthood.
Migraine headaches are a type of headache that is characterized by intense throbbing or pulsing pain in the head. They are often accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are believed to be caused by changes in the brain and the way it processes sensory information. Certain triggers can also trigger a migraine attack, including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and changes in sleep patterns.
It's important to note that migraines can be a chronic and debilitating condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. If you experience frequent or severe migraines, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.