Headaches are considered quite common, but migraines aren’t just headaches. They are a collection of severe neurological symptoms that usually present in a recurring, throbbing pain on one side of the head. One in three migraine attacks features pain on both sides of the head. These attacks can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, though every attack is unique to the person affected. Today we’re going to be talking about migraines, what they are, and how they affect people who have them. Let’s take a look.
How many people are affected by migraines?
Migraines are a debilitating and painful disease that affect about 12% of the population. Most commonly, migraine sufferers experience episodic migraines, which are characterized by having at least 5 within one’s lifetime, but less than 15 per month. At 15 migraine attacks per month, the condition is considered chronic. Additionally, approximately 85% of migraine sufferers are women. It is said that 1 in 4 women will experience a migraine over the course of their lives, many of which begin in childhood. Men and children also experience migraines, though the percentage is much lower at 6% and 10% respectively. Of the people who experience migraines, approximately 90% of them have a family history of the disease. With all of the knowledge we have about migraines, we still don’t know everything we need to know to diagnose and treat them effectively.
What are the characteristics of migraines?
Migraines are classified in two major types: With an aura and without. An “aura” is the prelude to the actual migraine attack. Sometimes this experience can include a tingling or numbness in the hands/face, a feeling of mental “fuzziness”, unusual perceptions of your senses, and/or visual disturbances such as flashing lights or blurriness. Often, migraines are brought on by a trigger such as caffeine, alcohol, stress, poor sleep or changes in sleep patterns, as well as hormonal changes, intense physical exercise, or even barometric weather changes. Once the migraine is in full effect, one may experience a throbbing pain, sensitivity to light/sound, nausea, vomiting, and / or changes in vision. Migraines can be debilitating, but research may pave the way for a brighter future.
Pharmasite Research currently offers several clinical trials of investigational treatments for Migraines.
Qualified study participants will receive at no cost:
-An initial evaluation and follow-up throughout the study by medical professionals
-Health evaluations (lab work, physical exams, ECG)
-Potentially receive investigational medication to treat migraines
-Post study follow-up care
For more information or questions about volunteering for a clinical trial, please contact Pharmasite Research, Inc. 410.602.1440 or visit our website at www.pharmasiteresearch.com. To learn more about our study on Migraines, click here.