It’s on the 12th of September, 2006 – the first ever European Migraine Day of Action. Various patient support representatives throughout Europe are working to make the day a success – it’s about getting information to people about how to handle migraine, and about raising awareness among health professionals. The message is simple –
Migraine is common – current research suggest it affects 11% of Europe’s population. Some research indicates that there are 20 million migraine attacks taking place every day in the world.
Migraine is disabling. The World Health Organization rates migraine as the 19th leading cause of disability worldwide. A recent Irish study on migraine says that work performance issues and absence alone from migraine costs the country €240 million (over $300 million in US dollars). That doesn’t even take into consideration the costs to personal lives, families, health care costs, and other impacts on community.
Migraine is treatable. Many people don’t know about the support and specific treatment options that are available to them. Not only is migraine treatable, it should be treated. A growing body of research shows that untreated migraine may cause more problems that are obvious right away.
The new European Headache Alliance is endorsing the day. Nobel prize winner Mr John Hume will be launching the EHA in the European Parliament on the same day.
