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HeadWay, Issue #102 -- While You're Waiting For Better Treatments...
December 17, 2012
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In this month's issue:

What to do while you're waiting...

A few of the best of 2012!

Say what?!  Contraindicated


What to do while you're waiting...

What a way to end 2012.  We were recently reminded that we shouldn't expect any new migraine preventative medications in 2013.  Or in 2014.  Or 15.  Or ... well, not for a long time.  In fact, it could be a decade.

We may have taken great strides in migraine treatment in the last 20 years.  We know a lot more about what happens in the brain during a migraine attack.  We know more about the genetics of migraine.  And we even have some medication actually approved for use for migraine patients.

In spite of all this, we have a long long way to go.  Yes, in ten or twenty years we may have some pretty amazing treatments.  But - what are we supposed to do in the meantime?

The Good News

The good news is - well, the good news is that the bad news isn't as bad as it may seem.

For example, in the next 5 years (maybe even in the next 5 months) you can expect to see:
  • New and improved complimentary non-drug treatments
  • Better "versions" of the drugs we already have (meaning if it didn't work for you before - it may now)
  • Medications used "off label" to treat migraine (drugs that may not be officially "approved" for migraine, but that are still researched and valid)
  • A better understanding of how diet and lifestyle impact migraine (and how we can adjust our lives to fight it)
  • Better abortive medications (something you take when you're having a migraine attack)

And while I'm waiting?

Sad to say, many people today are simply sitting around waiting for "the next big thing".  The next big news story that promises them relief.  Some of these people have tried many different treatments.  But in this day and age there are too many treatments available to say that they've "tried it all".

So let's not just wait for something to "drop from the sky" - let's fight migraine pro actively.  Here's how:
  • If your doctor tells you that you've "tried it all", start searching for another doctor.
  • Investigate some of the excellent combination supplements that are available, such as Foreverwell, Migrelief and LipiGesic-M.
  • Make some small (or BIG) lifestyle changes.  Go for a half-hour walk each evening.  Find an easy, healthy breakfast.  Cut down on the sugar.
  • Was there a medication that worked - a little?  Try a different form of the same thing - a different brand, a different delivery (ie nasal spray).
  • Take a break.  No, not to be lazy.  Sometimes you just need to get off the treadmill of new meds, new supplements, and new treatments, and take a few weeks/months off.
  • Make those new treatments come a little quicker - give a few dollars to the Migraine Research Foundation!
  • Get comfortable.  No, really.  Buy some nice sheets.  Get some new music.  Small things can make a big difference.
  • Help someone else who has chronic headache, migraine, or cluster.  Why not take them out to dinner?  Offer to watch the kids?  Deliver some cookies?  Buy them a book?  We're in this together.
There are many, many other things you can do "while you're waiting".  If you're fed up with waiting - fight back!  Let's make 2013 the year that we refused to "just live with it"...



A few of the best of 2012!

Here are some of the most popular articles from Headache and Migraine News in 2012.  Now's your chance to catch up on what you missed!And just one more... Precision Tinted – Especially to Fight Migraine.  Did you know that there's a giveaway happening right now - yes, you could get your own pair of TheraSpecs!  Check it out right here!

Say what?!  Contraindicated

It sounds so official - "this medication is contraindicated".  But what does it mean?  Contraindicated, when it comes to a medication or treatment, simply means that it's inadvisable.  Generally speaking, this particular medication is not recommended for such and such a person to take, or it's not usually wise to take it along with such and such a drug.

Sometimes doctors may prescribe something - in a rare situation - even though it's generally "contraindicated".  But you'll want to do your research and look at other options before you go ahead.

Thanks for reading!  Remember, if you have feedback or ideas for future issues, visit the HeadWay MailRoom.  Your password is nomoache.
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