migraine

Migraine Association to launch campaign for specialist services on Western seabord

galway.net , 4 Sep 2002

It may be difficult to believe that today, in the region of 50% [Lipton el at, Headache Vol 41 pp 638-45, Aug 2001] of people with one of the most common neurological conditions remain undiagnosed, but it’s true.

The aim of this year’s Migraine Action Week, which takes place from September 9th to 14th, is to open avenues for more sufferers to receive diagnosis and treatment for this debilitating condition.

The Migraine Association estimates that there are about 70,000 sufferers in the Western Health Board catchment area – almost enough to fill the newly revamped Croke Park! One of the main problems facing people with migraine and other headache disorders in the West is the lack of specialist services. There are currently only two Headache/Migraine clinics in Ireland. The Association was instrumental in the setting up of these clinics at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and Cork University Hospital. This years’ Migraine Action Week will see the launch of a campaign seeking a third clinic to be located in Galway.

“Given the ever-lengthening waiting lists in the existing clinics and the long distances travelled by patients from the West to attend them, it has become increasingly clear that a specialist service is required in the western region” said Audrey Craven, founder and Chairperson of the Association.

One of the other main factors deterring appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the condition is the existence of a number of misconceptions or ‘migraine myths’ surrounding the condition. The Migraine Association will be highlighting a number of these myths during Migraine Action Week.

The most common ‘migraine myths’ include misconceptions that: “Migraine is just a headache”
“There’s nothing I can do about my migraine”
“Stay away from chocolate, cheese and wine and you’ll be fine”
“Migraine only affects women”
“Migraine is all in your head”

According to Dr. Tim Counihan, Consultant Neurologist at the University College Hospital in Galway, “In recent years the medical profession has attained a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in migraine and effective treatments continue to be introduced. These myths have all been scientifically refuted. Now it is time to get this message across to people who are suffering in silence and let them know that migraine can be effectively treated in the majority of cases”

Migraine Action Week culminates with a public information seminar in the Radisson SAS hotel, Galway at 7.30 pm sharp on Thursday 12th September. Speakers will include Irish-born headache expert, Professor David Russell, from the National Hospital, Oslo and Audrey Craven of the Migraine Association. Professor Russell will outline the importance of recognising the type of headache one has in order to manage ones condition effectively. The seminar will be chaired by Dr. Tim Counihan. Entry costs €6 and places should be booked in advance by calling the Association on 1850 200 378.

The Association will also operate information stands staffed by nurses and members of the association in shopping centres at the Square, Tallaght and Eyre Square, Galway from Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th of September. A call-save Helpline for people with migraine to obtain information and support can be reached at 1850 200 378 all year round.

For further information, please contact the Migraine Association at 01 8724137 or by e-mail at info@migraine.ie. The Associations website address is www.migraine.ie.

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