Allergan Canada is proudly supporting National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month with #MoreThanAMigraine to encourage dialogue and awareness surrounding chronic migraines (CM), migraines and headaches.

 “Chronic migraine sits on the severe end of the migraine spectrum and is often misdiagnosed and inadequately managed in Canada,” says Dr. Ian Finkelstein, specialist in migraine and pain management. “A medical assessment is necessary and can assist with managing chronic migraines through pain relieving medications, preventive therapies and lifestyle modifications. Chronic migraine is a highly disabling neurological condition that affects personal, professional, emotional and social aspects of life. Canadians affected by chronic migraine are not alone. Resources and Health Canada approved treatment options are available to manage chronic migraine symptoms.”

The Difference Between Migraines and Other Types of Headaches

Migraines are more severe and debilitating than other types of headaches, and impact over 2.7 million Canadians. They consist of moderately to severely intense headaches with throbbing or pulsating pain and are often on one side of the head. Other debilitating symptoms include nausea, vomiting and hypersensitivity to lights, sounds and smells.

Throbbing statistics

  • It is estimated that between 370,000- 600,000 adult Canadians, 18 years or older, suffer from CM.
  • It has been estimated that just 20.2 per cent of CM sufferers receive a CM diagnosis and only 33.3 per cent of CM patients use preventive medication.
  • More than 80 per cent of CM sufferers in Canada are women.

#MoreThanAMigraine

This June, Allergan Canada is encouraging migraine sufferers to break their silence in hopes to spread awareness on the condition, to highlight the symptoms, and to understand the impact. Migraine sufferers can talk to the healthcare providers, share their experiences online using #MoreThanAMigraine and connect on mychronicmigraine.ca to discover treatment options, understand triggers, and/or take a patient self-assessment. The site also features a search tool that allows Canadians to find a doctor in their area who may be able to help.