FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact:
Lynda Woodworth
Dragonette, Inc.
(312) 424-5311
Suzanne Simons
National Headache Foundation
(773) 388-6395
Ramona Jones
Glaxo Wellcome Inc.
(919) 483-2839
#98-046
HEADACHE EXPERTS CONVENE TO CLOSE THE COMMUNICATION GAP BETWEEN MIGRAINE PATIENTS AND PHYSICIANS -- Ten Steps Developed To Empower Migraine Sufferers, Improve Treatment --
CHICAGO, May 29, 1998 -- Leading headache specialists recently convened in New York City to develop a step system to help migraine sufferers communicate more effectively with their health-care providers. The results of this summit are being released as part of National Headache Awareness Week, June 7 - 13, which is themed "Making Headway in Headache Relief."
Previous research has shown a disconnect between physicians and migraine patients that often leads to inappropriate diagnosis and treatment of migraine. This issue resurfaced in a recent patient study conducted for the National Headache Foundation, through an educational grant from Glaxo Wellcome Inc. While physicians say patients need to self-educate and prepare for their physician visits, key study findings show many patients have not followed this advice. In fact, more than half of respondents (59 percent) say they would like their physicians to make an effort to educate them about migraine. Additionally, more than two-thirds (68 percent) do not keep track of their headache history by maintaining a diary.
Given the proliferation of new medications, the physician/patient dialogue is now even more complicated. Clear details about each patient's headache history and treatment needs are more important than ever before.
"Because symptoms, severity and frequency vary, no two patients suffer migraine in the same way. Therefore, the patient/physician interaction is crucial to understanding the nuances of each patient's condition and to tailoring an effective treatment plan," said Suzanne Simons, executive director of the National Headache Foundation. "We are committed to examining this important dynamic, which so often determines the success of treatment."
The panel assembled to help migraine sufferers simplify and improve the physician/patient communication process. The results are a 10-step patient system developed to empower migraine sufferers and help them take charge of their migraine treatment by seeking help and being a self-advocate; educating themselves about migraine so they are better informed when they walk into a doctor's office; and making an appointment with a physician specifically to discuss migraine.
"Patients need to avoid making an appointment about a condition unrelated to migraine, and then, with five minutes left in the visit, saying 'Oh, by the way, I also have headaches,'" said panel participant Dr. Merle Diamond, associate director of the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago.
The headache specialists also suggest that migraine sufferers organize information prior to the physician visit and keep a headache diary.
"General practitioners, usually the first physicians seen by migraine sufferers, are incredibly busy," said panel participant Dr. Elizabeth Loder, director of the Headache Management Program at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Institute in Boston. "Migraine patients need to walk into the physician's office prepared and ready to talk details."
The physician panelists also encourage patients to have reasonable expectations about treatment and realize that, although there is no cure, migraine can be managed with an effective treatment program. In addition, they suggest that sufferers be honest about all current medications and other medical conditions so that their physician can recommend a treatment program that does not interfere with other therapies, and that sufferers focus on solutions and avoid communicating from an emotional perspective.
"A balance in the discussion is important," said panel participant Dr. Roger Cady, director of the Headache Care Center, Springfield, Mo. "While we understand patients need someone to empathize with them, physicians also need the facts -- the date, length, severity, symptoms and negative impact of migraine attacks on work, family and social activities -- in order to recommend effective treatment."
Panelists also recommend that migraine sufferers ask for detailed instructions for taking medication; partner with their physicians, because migraine treatment is an ongoing process; and follow up regularly with their physician. Physicians say the patient who takes time to schedule in-person visits will get much better results than the patient who calls in for prescription refills.
"The bottom line for migraine patients is if they get involved, chances are they'll be more satisfied and have a higher quality of life," said Dr. Diamond. "Successful patients are committed to themselves."
The national patient study was conducted in April 1998 by NFO Research Inc. and included 410 physician-diagnosed migraine sufferers, ages 18 - 49. Approximately 75 percent of the sample was female and 25 percent was male, mirroring the incidence of migraineurs by gender in the general population.
The physician panel was moderated by Integrated Marketing Associates, a research consulting firm based in Bryn Mawr, Pa., and included five leading headache specialists from around the country.
Twenty-six million Americans -- 18 million of them women -- suffer from migraine, a biological, often debilitating disease characterized by severe pain, usually on one side of the head, and often accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting and/or sensitivity to light, sound and smell. Attacks occur periodically, and can last from four to 72 hours.
Many resources are available to sufferers. The National Headache Foundation (NHF), founded in 1970, is a national nonprofit organization that assists headache sufferers, their families and health-care professionals in the treatment of headache pain and promotes public awareness about the debilitating nature of headaches. Information on membership, patient education materials and support groups is available through NHF by calling (800) 843-2256, writing to NHF at 428 West St. James Place, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60614-2750, or visiting the website at http://www.headaches.org.
In addition, a patient education program sponsored by Glaxo Wellcome Inc., titled, Take Charge, Follow the Steps to a Treatment Program that Defends Your Lifestyle, is being rolled out across the country. It is designed to help sufferers recognize what they need in a treatment program and help them discuss their symptoms and needs effectively with their physician. Information about upcoming program locations and patient information pamphlets (including Chart Your Route to Relief: A Personal Migraine Management Program, which contains a comprehensive headache diary) can be obtained by calling (800) 377-0302, writing Take Charge, P.O. Box 816, Medford, New York 11763-0816 or visiting the website at www.migrainehelp.com.
Migraine is a key therapeutic area for Glaxo Wellcome Inc. The company, which is based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., is one of the nation's leading research-based pharmaceutical firms. A subsidiary of London-based Glaxo Wellcome plc, the company is committed to fighting disease by bringing innovative medicines and services to patients and to the health-care providers who serve them.
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