Headaches and 9/11

This past summer, the government of the USA extended the deadline of the Victim Compensation Fund for those who may have been affected by the 9/11 attacks. Specifically:

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (“VCF”) was created to provide compensation for any individual (or a personal representative of a deceased individual) who suffered physical harm or was killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001 or the debris removal efforts that took place in the immediate aftermath of those crashes.

Source: ABOUT THE VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND

Many people are realizing that it’s taking a long time to evaluate and understand how people’s health was affected, especially by the soot and dust in lower Manhattan. Anyone who knows specifically about neurological conditions such as migraine knows that it takes many years to study these things.

Joe McKay is a former firefighter who worked at the site. He has also been involved in advocacy for those who are dealing with the after-effects. For him, it’s cluster headache. It’s worth watching the video below to hear his story.

You can read more here: ‘Insane, stabbing, burning pain’: Ground zero workers still battling 9/11 health problems

Cluster headache is not the only condition that has been studied in connection with 9/11. In fact, it’s not the only headache condition. For a quick summary of headache concerns from a few years ago, see Headache may linger years later in people exposed to World Trade Center dust, fumes

The good news is that there is some compensation available, not only for those who specifically worked at the site, but also those who may have been close by or living in a certain area. Since we’re still learning about the long term effects of exposure, it’s worth it to register now. Just check the official site here: September 11th Victim Compensation Fund

Meanwhile, we need to continue studying toxins and fumes that can cause severe headache issues, so that we can better understand headaches and find better treatment. There are many situations worldwide in which people can be exposed.

Thanks to the National Headache Foundation for pointing out this story.