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*Disclaimer: This article and its survey findings were made possible by Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., the makers of Excedrin® Migraine. Respondents of the survey were diagnosed migraine sufferers. See your doctor for diagnosis of migraines and migraine treatment options.
What do you know about migraines? Most already know that for some sufferers they can feel like really, really bad headaches, but did you know they are a diagnosable medical condition? The Millennial Migraine Report, commissioned by the makers of Excedrin® Migraine, aims to demonstrate how migraines are affecting the lives of millennials and the lack of public understanding sufferers often feel. In fact, 59 percent of migraine sufferers surveyed said migraines affect their ability to have fun and 21 percent said migraines have negative effects on friendships.
Even if you don’t suffer from migraines, it’s important to know how to help those around you who do. As collegians, we should learn more about ways to manage and treat migraines. More importantly, taking measures to help reduce the frequency of migraines can be used to promote overall health. Nearly two thirds of those surveyed who suffer from migraines would give up social media to not have to experience a migraine again. Now that’s serious.
For those who suffer, you need to know that tracking your migraines is very important. You should note the frequency, duration and severity of your migraines in order to, over time, identify patterns that may help determine migraine triggers and improve treatment, as well as track medication use and how you responded to the medication. Fortunately, there’s an app for that! The My Migraine Triggers App™ from the makers of Excedrin® Migraine, is easy to use, and allows you to print your logs or even send your data right to your doctor—all from your phone! It’s free and available in the App store and Google Play Store.
One Saint Joseph’s University student told us about her migraines and how they negatively affected her job performance. “I just couldn’t concentrate. I was always nauseous. But the worst part was I was so embarrassed. I felt like my boss thought I was making excuses.”
She is not alone. Of those surveyed, 47 percent missed three or more days of work due to migraines in the past year, and 33 percent said that migraines negatively impact their academic performance.
The most impactful statistic to me is that 70 percent of millennial migraine sufferers wish they had someone who knew what they were going through when they first had their migraines. So what can we do to help? For starters watch what you say. Never tell a migraine sufferer that “everybody gets headaches,” “it’s all in your head,” or “just get rid of your stress.” Instead, let them know you’re there for them—and that they’re not alone. Both migraine sufferers and those who do not suffer from migraines need to know the facts.
To learn more about Migraines and the Millennial Migraine Report visit Excedrin.com/stories.