Understanding migraine healthtimewellspent-ca.anthem.com/images/other-medical... · doctors and...
Transcript of Understanding migraine healthtimewellspent-ca.anthem.com/images/other-medical... · doctors and...
Recent research has shown that 36 million
Americans suffer from migraines; a number
that represents a 60 percent increase over the
last ten years, due to increased understanding,
diagnosis and reporting of the disease.1
Migraines are more than just bad headaches —
they are a symptom of a neurological disorder.
If you experience migraines, work with your
doctor to develop a treatment plan. Your doctor
may want to run tests to rule out other physical
problems that could be serious.
Understanding migraine health
Get healthy. Stay healthy.
How does a migraine differ from a regular headache?
Sources1
The National Migraine Association website, Treatment and Management (October 2008): migraines.org/treatment/index.html
2 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NINDS Migraine Information Page (October 2008): ninds.nih.gov/disorders/migraine/migraine.htm
3The National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain, Migraine Phases (October 2008): paincare.org/migraine/phases.html
4Mayo Clinic, Migraine (Definition) (October 2008): mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120
5Mayo Clinic, Migraine (Complications) (October 2008): mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/DSECTION=complications
6MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (October 2008): nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000709.htm
7Mayo Clinic website, When to seek medical advice (October 2008): mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/DSECTION=when-to-seek-medical-advice
Visit anthem.com/ca for more ways to get healthy — and stay healthy.
Resources
Visit the National Migraine Association at migraines.org to find
out about clinical studies and trials. The site also features
information on different types of migraines, as well as quizzes,
suggested reading, and lists of famous migraine sufferers. Click the
“Where to turn for help” link for a pain management toolkit, a list of
doctors and clinics specializing in migraine treatment, and regional
support groups. Or, call the Migraine Awareness Group: A National
Understanding of Migraines (MAGNUM) at 703-349-1929. In addition,
the National Headache Foundation (headaches.org) offers tools, an
email pen pal program, and migraine-related poetry and artwork.
Finally, mymigraineconnection.com presents migraine and
headache news, quizzes and support forums.
Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association.MCASH5294ABC 11/08 F0071126
When to seek emergency helpIf you have already been diagnosed as
a migraine sufferer, you know how to
treat the symptoms you commonly have.
Following are some guidelines as to
when additional care is necessary:
Call 911 if:l You have new symptoms that haven’t
come with your previous migraines,
such as speech or vision problems,
loss of balance, or difficulty moving
one of your limbs.6
l You are having the worst headache of
your life.6
See your doctor immediately or (if he/
she is unavailable) go to the emergency
room if:l You have an abrupt, severe headache
like a thunderclap.7
l Along with your headache you have
a fever, stiff neck, rash, mental
confusion, seizures, double vision,
weakness, numbness or trouble
speaking.7
l You have a headache after a head
injury, especially if the headache is
getting worse.7
l You have a chronic headache that
gets worse after coughing, exertion,
straining or a sudden movement.7
l You are older than 50 and have new
headache pain.7
Call your doctor immediately if:l The pattern or intensity of your
headache is different.6
l Your headache gets worst when you lie
down.6
Call your doctor if:l Treatments that used to work have
stopped working.6
l You have side effects from your
medication (irregular heartbeat, pale
or blue skin, extreme sleepiness,
persistent cough, depression,
fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
constipation, stomach pain, cramps,
dry mouth, extreme thirst, etc.)6
l You are likely to become pregnant
(some medications are not safe for
pregnancy).6