The migraine simulator visited

Back in December we were talking about a migraine simulator that was going to be featured at the Southern Women’s Show in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA (see original post).  As much as we were joking about it, it is important to find ways to help non-migraineurs understand what a migraine attack is like.

A representative of Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc. (makers of Topamax (topiramate) and Axert (almotriptan malate)) stopped by here and left a comment, which I would like to re-post for your benefit:

I represent Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc., and I noticed the post about the “Mind Over Migraine” simulation and its potential for being scary.  I thought you might be interested in more information about the simulation and the overall “Mind Over Migraine” program.  The “Mind Over Migraine” simulation follows a woman as she struggles to get through the workday with migraine pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light, noise and smells.  It is an eye-opening experience for anyone who has ever thought that migraine was just a bad headache and designed to help validate the condition, since migraine remains under-diagnosed and unfortunately, under-treated.  A video of the simulation is available at http://www.mindovermigraine.com/mindovermigraine/simulations.html#maggie.  The simulation illustrates the auditory and visual affects that can be caused by a migraine, but it does not cause the viewer pain (either online or live).  Additional lifestyle information about treating migraine and feedback from people who have experienced the simulation is also available on www.mindovermigraine.com.  The “Mind Over Migraine” approach is a two-pronged approach to help people better understand medical and lifestyle strategies that can help reduce the impact migraine has on people’s lives.  If you have an opportunity to view the simulation video or if you pass on the link to someone who you think might benefit from viewing the simulation, I would love to hear the feedback. Best regards, Kere Thomas

Now I hope I wasn’t misunderstood with my "scary" comment – the point was that migraine is scary, and so an accurate simulation should reflect that.

Taking Kere’s advice, I watched the simulation.  Now I warn you that for a migraine sufferer it is pretty disturbing.  I was ready to turn it off after the first door slam in the introduction.  I guess that means it was effective, but it’s hard to say what a non-migraineur would see.  If you want to watch it, be sure to read the transcript below the video as well, which clarifies some of what you’ll see.

One thing I would emphasize that this is the experience of one migraineur.  Different people’s experiences can be quite different (though equally disturbing).  And remember that, although several "triggers" are mentioned, a migraine attack does not strike necessarily because you’ve done something wrong (ie you skipped breakfast or you mishandle stress).  It can strike anytime, for no known reason.

Do you think this would be a good video to show your friends and family?  Does it reflect your experience?  If you’re not a migraine sufferer, what is your reaction?