While an estimated 36 million Americans suffer from migraine, only one of every three people speak to a doctor about their headaches. Of those, only half obtain the proper diagnosis. In recognition of Migraine Awareness Week, September 6-12, 2015, Depomed, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, has teamed with the American Migraine Foundation (AMF) to highlight the importance of seeking and consulting with a headache specialist who can help properly diagnose and correctly treat migraine.
"Given the disabling nature of a migraine, it is important for people who experience frequent attacks not to endure the pain in silence but rather to speak with a specialist in order to receive the proper diagnosis and to understand their treatment options," said Srinivas G. Rao, MD, PhD, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Depomed.
"Depomed is deeply committed both to raising awareness about migraine and to supporting research activities aimed at helping better understand this disease."
For more than 90 per cent of those affected, migraine interferes with the activities surrounding everyday life including the ability to maintain business and personal activities. In order to raise awareness of the impact of migraine and to encourage treatment, Depomed and AMF have produced "Demystifying Migraine," a patient-focused animated story that provides a glimpse into the life of a migraine sufferer created to help individuals with the medical condition to take back control of their lives. As part of its ongoing commitment to help migraine sufferers find a treatment that works for them, Depomed will donate $1 to the AMF with every video view and $2 for every share on Facebook and Twitter, up to $15,000.
Supplementing the information provided in this animation, patients and caregivers are invited to explore AMF's website (www.americanmigrainefoundation.org) which provides essential information on how to find a local headache specialist, how to prepare for your visit, and an overview of potential treatment options. Additionally, the site includes information on migraine and headache resources and support, as well as tips on living with migraine.
Some 36 million Americans live with migraine, more than the number who have asthma and diabetes combined. An estimated seven million Americans live with chronic migraine, a highly disabling neurological disorder. Migraine can be extremely disabling and costly, accounting for more than $20 billion in direct (e.g. doctor visits, medications) and indirect (e.g. missed work, lost productivity) expenses each year in the United States.
The American Migraine Foundation is a non-profit foundation supported by the American Headache Society and generous donors dedicated to the advancement of migraine research.