Move Against Migraine illustrates the hidden truth about migraine
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [MOUNT ROYAL, NJ, March 20, 2017] – The American Migraine Foundation (AMF) announced today that it is launching an initiative – Move Against Migraine – to empower the more than 36 million Americans living with migraine to advocate for themselves to find the support and treatment they need. Given the lack of awareness of the varied symptoms that can occur during migraine attacks and the long-standing stigma associated with this disease, less than 5% of those with the most debilitating form of migraine have sought help, received a diagnosis, and been treated.[1]
“Migraine is a neurological disease that costs our healthcare system more than $20 billion each year,” said David Dodick, MD, FRCP (C), FACP, FAHS, chair of the American Migraine Foundation, president of the International Headache Society and professor of neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. “For more than 90% of those affected, it interferes with education, career and social activities, yet many people don’t get the help they need. Move Against Migraine mobilizes patients to become self-advocates to live healthy and fulfilling lives, and inspire support for research that will lead to safe and more effective treatments.”
Move Against Migraine aims to help individuals learn more about migraine and treatment options, as well as assist them in finding help by accessing migraine experts and resources. Additionally the initiative connects individuals with others in the community living with migraine, as well as doctors and researchers in the field. It integrates advertising, public relations, social and digital media, as well as radio and television public service announcements. The imagery of the initiative is boldly conveyed through original and compelling artwork.
“As someone who suffered in silence for years from migraine, I am grateful for the creative spirit behind the Move Against Migraine initiative,” said Lisa Jacobson, a migraine patient, founder of The Daily Migraine online support group, and AMF board member. “The imagery provides a candid depiction of how I and so many others feel during a migraine attack, and it helps illustrate the reality of the migraine experience for friends and family.”
For those impacted by migraine, resources and tools about AMF and Move Against Migraine can be found at www.americanmigrainefoundation.org.
Find additional information on the campaign, including our PSA, access to brochures and other materials in our Content Capsule here.
About migraine
Migraine is a major disabling neurological disease that affects more than 36 million men, women and children in the United States. The disease impacts one in four households, one in five women, one in 16 men and one in 11 children in the United States. Globally, migraine is the sixth highest cause of years of life lost due to disability.[2] Individuals who experience migraine have symptoms that include nausea, sensitivity to light and/or odors, skin sensitivity, fatigue, mood change, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, neck pain, and changes in vision, including seeing spots, stars, lines, flashing lights and zig zag lines. The risk of other serious diseases is significantly higher in those with migraine, including stroke, epilepsy, depression, anxiety and chronic pain. Despite of this, only one of every three people talk with a doctor about their migraine attacks and of those, only half get the right diagnosis. There is also a massive shortage of specialists focusing on migraine, with one specialist for every 65,000 individuals living with migraine, which worsens the problem.
About The American Migraine Foundation (AMF)
The American Migraine Foundation (AMF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of research and awareness surrounding migraine, a disabling disease that impacts 36 million men, women, and children in the United States. The AMF was founded in 2010 to provide access to information and resources for individuals living with migraine, as well as their loved ones. Working alongside the American Headache Society, the AMF’s mission is to mobilize a community for patient support and advocacy, as well as drive and support innovative research that will lead to improvement in the lives of individuals living with migraine and other disabling diseases that cause severe head pain. For more information, please visit https:americanmigrainefoundation.org.
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[1] Dodick DW, Loder EW, Adams AM, et al. Assessing Barriers to Chronic Migraine Consultation, Diagnosis, and Treatment: Results From the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study. US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health. doi: 10.1111/head.12774. Published May 3, 2016.
[2] Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 Collaborators (2015) Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 301 acute and chronic diseases and injuries in 188 countries, 1990-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Lancet (published online June 8, 2015 at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60692-4)
