Recent research has shown that 36 million

Americans suffer from migraines; a number

that represents a 60 percent increase over the

last ten years, due to increased understanding,

diagnosis and reporting of the disease.1

Migraines are more than just bad headaches —

they are a symptom of a neurological disorder.

If you experience migraines, work with your

doctor to develop a treatment plan. Your doctor

may want to run tests to rule out other physical

problems that could be serious.

Understanding migraine health

Get healthy. Stay healthy.

How does a migraine differ from a regular headache?

Sources1

The National Migraine Association website, Treatment and Management (October 2008): migraines.org/treatment/index.html

2 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NINDS Migraine Information Page (October 2008): ninds.nih.gov/disorders/migraine/migraine.htm

3The National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain, Migraine Phases (October 2008): paincare.org/migraine/phases.html

4Mayo Clinic, Migraine (Definition) (October 2008): mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120

5Mayo Clinic, Migraine (Complications) (October 2008): mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/DSECTION=complications

6MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (October 2008): nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000709.htm

7Mayo Clinic website, When to seek medical advice (October 2008): mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/DSECTION=when-to-seek-medical-advice

Visit bcbsga.com for more ways to get healthy — and stay healthy.

Resources

Visit the National Migraine Association at migraines.org to find

out about clinical studies and trials. The site also features

information on different types of migraines, as well as quizzes,

suggested reading, and lists of famous migraine sufferers. Click the

“Where to turn for help” link for a pain management toolkit, a list of

doctors and clinics specializing in migraine treatment, and regional

support groups. Or, call the Migraine Awareness Group: A National

Understanding of Migraines (MAGNUM) at 703-349-1929. In addition,

the National Headache Foundation (headaches.org) offers tools, an

email pen pal program, and migraine-related poetry and artwork.

Finally, mymigraineconnection.com presents migraine and

headache news, quizzes and support forums.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc., is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.MGASH5294BGA 11/08 F0030671

When to seek emergency helpIf you have already been diagnosed as

a migraine sufferer, you know how to

treat the symptoms you commonly have.

Following are some guidelines as to

when additional care is necessary:

Call 911 if:l You have new symptoms that haven’t

come with your previous migraines,

such as speech or vision problems,

loss of balance, or difficulty moving

one of your limbs.6

l You are having the worst headache of

your life.6

See your doctor immediately or (if he/

she is unavailable) go to the emergency

room if:l You have an abrupt, severe headache

like a thunderclap.7

l Along with your headache you have

a fever, stiff neck, rash, mental

confusion, seizures, double vision,

weakness, numbness or trouble

speaking.7

l You have a headache after a head

injury, especially if the headache is

getting worse.7

l You have a chronic headache that

gets worse after coughing, exertion,

straining or a sudden movement.7

l You are older than 50 and have new

headache pain.7

Call your doctor immediately if:l The pattern or intensity of your

headache is different.6

l Your headache gets worst when you lie

down.6

Call your doctor if:l Treatments that used to work have

stopped working.6

l You have side effects from your

medication (irregular heartbeat, pale

or blue skin, extreme sleepiness,

persistent cough, depression,

fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,

constipation, stomach pain, cramps,

dry mouth, extreme thirst, etc.)6

l You are likely to become pregnant

(some medications are not safe for

pregnancy).6