New Hope and Answers for Returning War Veterans Fighting the Battle Against Post-Traumatic Headache and Migraine

-Free Event to Provide Information and Resources from National Experts for Treatment of Headache and Migraine related to Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder-

CHICAGO, March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recent studies have shown soldiers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan have two to four times the incidence of migraine as the general population, often along with higher rates of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (2).  The National Headache Foundation (NHF) will host a free educational program for military veterans and their families Saturday, March 5, in Augusta, GA, to help them learn how to better understand and mange their chronic headache issues, with an emphasis on the specific challenges related to military life.  

"Few people realize the tremendous effect of migraines and chronic headache on the men and women who serve in our armed forces," said Dr. Anne Calhoun, Medical Corps, US Navy Reserves, retired. "The challenges they face are truly unique, and it is critical that physicians and veteran patients communicate about the nature and impact of migraines so they can choose the best treatment plan."

The seminar, "Fighting the Battle against Post-Traumatic Headache and Migraine," will feature four nationally prominent researchers and clinicians discussing how veterans can take charge of their migraines and headaches and build effective communication with their healthcare professionals.  Following the formal educational session, participants will be provided the opportunity to meet others with similar headache problems, which is especially important to those with these kinds of "invisible" wounds.

In addition to the patient session, the NHF will host a free Continuing Medical Education (CME) program for local physicians and other healthcare professionals that treat patients suffering from migraine and chronic headache related to military service, TBI or PTSD. Attendees will learn the latest information on diagnostic techniques, patient communications and treatments strategies from the same nationally recognized experts in the field that present to the veterans and their families. This CME program will increase the healthcare professionals' knowledge, confidence and competence in helping their patients deal with TBI and PTSD.

The NHF assists war veterans with managing headache pain through their War Veterans Health Resource Initiative. The program consists of hands-on support programs and an online resource guide, located at www.headaches.org/warveterans, that provides the top resources available to help military men and women cope with neurological trauma effectively.  

Event Information

• Listen to national experts in headache treatment
• Interactive breakout sessions to share your headache story with others who understand
• Learn about available resources and receive a free one-year membership to the NHF
• Reception with beverages and appetizers immediately following

Please call the toll-free 1-800-843-2256 to register. Space is limited. The event is free to attend and reduced hotel rates are available for those traveling to the event.

(1) American Headache Society (2010, June 23). Sleep quality of soldiers with migraine is poor. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 3, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­/releases/2010/06/100623085524.htm  

ABOUT THE NATIONAL HEADACHE FOUNDATION

The NHF is a nonprofit organization that has pioneered the way headaches have been diagnosed and treated over the last 40 years. No other organization provides such comprehensive educational resources and tools to headache sufferers, their families, physicians who treat headache sufferers, allied healthcare professionals and to the public. The leaders of the organization are world-renowned experts in the field who have pulled together many easy-to-use tools and resources to help people better understand headaches and options for headache care. This information is available on the NHF website at www.headaches.org or by calling 1-888-NHF-5552 (M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT).

SOURCE National Headache Foundation