New preventative treatment available on the NHS for chronic migraine.
One in seven adults in the UK is thought to suffer from migraines and a survey for Migraine Action found that 25% of migraine sufferers have left — or not taken up — a job because of their condition.
There are a number of treatment options available, from medication to prevent migraine attacks, to treatments you can use as soon as you feel an attack coming on. Talk to your GP or pharmacist about what might be best for you.
There’s also new hope for people with chronic migraines, in the form of a preventative treatment licensed by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) this summer.
“Chronic migraine is currently an under-researched, under-diagnosed and under-treated condition,” says Wendy Thomas, chief executive at the Migraine Trust. “We know that treatment with acute pain medication does not always work for these patients so we welcome new therapies, especially preventative medication, for this potentially disabling condition.”
Who might benefit?
Adults diagnosed with chronic migraine. This is defined as having headaches for 15 days or more a month, at least eight with migraine.
How is chronic migrane diagnosed?
You will need to get a definitive diagnosis from your GP. Migraine Action recommends going to your doctor’s appointment armed with a diary with brief details of the dates of your attacks, the triggers involved and any medication taken.
What does chronic migrane treatment involve?
Once you have a diagnosis, you’ll need to be referred to a neurologist or headache specialist to discuss treatment options. If you’re a suitable candidate, the specialist may recommend preventative treatment with botulinum toxin type A (Botox®). Patients receive injections once every 12 weeks at a specialist headache centre.
What’s the success rate?
This preventative treatment has been found to work with 50% of patients — and reduces the number of migraine attacks by half. The experts say further research is needed to establish exactly how it works, however.
Where can I find out more about chronic migrane?
Don’t forget that with Benenden Healthcare membership you can seek advice on chronic migrane from our 24/7 GP Advice Line. Benenden Healthcare members can discuss any health concerns they might have in complete confidence. It costs £1.50 per person, per week for Benenden Healthcare Society membership. You can join Benenden Healthcare online.
In additon, the Migraine Trust has a free, downloadable factsheet on Botox and Headache.
