HEALTH AWARENESS

African-Americans Less Likely To Seek Medical Attention For Migraines

Sports Broadcaster Pam Oliver Urges African-American Women

To Seek Help For Frequent, Bad Headaches

(NAPSM)-Imagine a headache so bad that the slightest noise or light increases the intense pain and nausea a person is already experiencing. While it might seem extreme, people who suffer from migraines understand that their surroundings can intensify the pain they experience. Just ask Pam Oliver, a prominent sports broadcaster who suffered in silence for years.

Migraines: More Than

Just A Bad Headache

Understanding the difference between a migraine and a "bad" headache begins with knowing the symptoms. The most recognized symptom is head pain, but other associated symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Symptoms can vary from person to person.

Migraines can be caused by several triggers, including certain foods and drinks such as cheese, nuts, red wine and coffee. Bright lights, stress, inconsistent sleeping patterns and hormonal cycles can also trigger migraines. While it is nearly impossible to avoid all triggers, it is possible to learn to identify and manage them.

For sports broadcaster Pam Oliver, bright lights, thousands of cheering fans and a stressful schedule come with the job. After years of searching for a treatment that worked for her, Oliver consulted her physician and explained her symptoms. She was diagnosed with migraine, joining the estimated 29.5 million Americans who suffer from migraines.

In the African-American community, there is a misconception that a "so-called bad headache" is not something more serious, according to Dr. Carolyn Britton, professor at The Neurological Institute of New York. The reality is that migraines can affect anyone. African-Americans are more likely than other ethnic groups to report higher levels of headache pain, yet less likely to visit the doctor about their symptoms, according to a recent study.

Oliver's Solution

"I'm telling my story to encourage black women with frequent, bad headaches to see their physician and get a proper diagnosis," said Oliver, a GlaxoSmithKline spokes-person. "I never realized migraine-specific treatments were available." After struggling for years, Oliver talked with her doctor, was diagnosed with migraines and was prescribed Imitrex® (sumatriptan succinate) Injection (supplied as Imitrex STATdose System®). "It has provided the relief I need," she said.

Getting Help

One tool that can help individuals describe migraine symptoms to a doctor is the Headache Quiz. Log on to www.HeadacheQuiz.com, take the quiz and share the results with a doctor.

About Imitrex Injection

Imitrex Injection is available in the easy-to-use Imitrex STATdose System®, which allows patients to administer a dose of Imitrex with just the push of a button. The Imitrex STATdose System includes two small, disposable cartridges pre-filled with a single dose of Imitrex, and an easy to use auto-injector pen which allows patients to give themselves the medication. The Imitrex STATdose System is the only delivery system of its kind.

If the diagnosis is migraine, then migraine-specific prescription therapies, like Imitrex, are available for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults.

Patients should not take Imitrex if they have certain types of heart disease, history of stroke or TIAs, peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud syndrome or blood pressure that is uncontrolled. Patients with risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or smoking, should be evaluated by a doctor before taking Imitrex.

Very rarely, certain people, even some without heart disease, have had serious heart-related problems. Patients who are pregnant, nursing or taking medications should talk to their doctor. For further information, consult complete Prescribing Information for Imitrex available at www.imitrex.com.