June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

CHICAGO, June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- June has been designated Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. This year's theme is "Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headaches." Almost 3.2 million Americans are missing work or school, are not able to perform daily chores, or cannot attend family or social activities because of chronic migraine. Chronic migraine primarily affects women who experience migraine headaches on 15 or more days per month.

Although 47% of the adults in the U.S. experience headaches annually, migraine and other headaches are poorly recognized and inadequately treated. Purple is the recognized color for Migraine and Headache Awareness. That is why the National Headache Foundation is standing up to "show purple" during June. We challenge everyone else to stand up with us and let others know they are not alone.

And for those experiencing chronic migraine, treatment involves both lifestyle changes and medical approaches. Discussing your headaches with your physician is essential to find out why you are experiencing chronic migraine. Once the diagnosis is known, the right therapies can be started, including medications to treat the acute pain, and other drugs to stop those headaches from occurring. Referral to a headache specialist may be recommended because of the frequent occurrence of these headaches. Also, drugs associated with overuse, including the narcotics, must be avoided.

The National Headache Foundation (NHF) is the premier educational and informational resource for individuals with headache, their families, physicians, allied health care professionals, and health policy decision makers. The NHF exists to enhance the healthcare of individuals with headache. In order to accomplish its mission, the NHF provides educational and informational resources, supports headache research, and advocates for the understanding of headache as a legitimate neurobiological disease.

For information on headache causes and treatments, or for a list of physicians in your area who treat headache, please visit www.headaches.org or call 1-888-NHF-5552.

SOURCE National Headache Foundation