The American Migraine Foundation Launches Initiative to Mobilize the 36 Million Americans Living with Migraine, a Disabling Neurological Disease

MOUNT ROYAL, N.J., March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Migraine Foundation (AMF) announced today that it is launching an initiative - Move Against Migraine - to empower the more than 36 million Americans living with migraine to advocate for themselves to find the support and treatment they need. Given the lack of awareness of the varied symptoms that can occur during migraine attacks and the long-standing stigma associated with this disease, less than 5% of those with the most debilitating form of migraine have sought help, received a diagnosis and been treated.¹

"Migraine is a neurological disease that costs our healthcare system more than $20 billion each year," said David Dodick, MD, FRCP (C), FACP, FAHS, chair of the American Migraine Foundation, president of the International Headache Society and Professor of Neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. "For more than 90 percent of those affected, it interferes with education, career and social activities, yet many people don't get the help they need. Move Against Migraine mobilizes patients to become self-advocates to live healthy and fulfilling lives and inspire support for research that will lead to safe and more effective treatments."

Move Against Migraine aims to help individuals learn more about migraine and treatment options, as well as assist them in finding help by accessing migraine experts and resources. Additionally the initiative connects individuals with others in the community living with migraine, as well as doctors and researchers in the field. It integrates advertising, public relations, social and digital media, as well as radio and television public service announcements. The imagery of the initiative is boldly conveyed through original and compelling artwork.

"As someone who suffered in silence for years from migraine, I am grateful for the creative spirit behind the Move Against Migraine initiative," said Lisa Jacobson, a migraine patient, founder of The Daily Migraine online support group, and AMF board member. "The imagery provides a candid depiction of how I and so many others feel during a migraine attack and it helps illustrate the reality of the migraine experience for friends and family."

For those impacted by migraine, resources and tools about AMF and Move Against Migraine can be found at www.americanmigrainefoundation.org.

About migraine

Migraine is a major disabling neurological disease that affects more than 36 million men, women and children in the United States. The disease impacts one in four households, one in five women, one in 16 men and one in 11 children in the United States. Globally, migraine is the sixth highest cause of years of life lost due to disability.² Individuals who experience migraine have symptoms that include nausea, sensitivity to light and/or odors, skin sensitivity, fatigue, mood change, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, neck pain and changes in vision, including seeing spots, stars, lines, flashing lights and zig zag lines. The risk of other serious diseases is significantly higher in those with migraine, including stroke, epilepsy, depression, anxiety and chronic pain. Despite this, only one of every three people talk with a doctor about their migraine attacks and of those, only half get the right diagnosis. There is also a massive shortage of specialists focusing on migraine, with one specialist for every 65,000 individuals living with migraine, which worsens the problem.

About The American Migraine Foundation (AMF)

The American Migraine Foundation (AMF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of research and awareness surrounding migraine, a disabling disease that impacts 36 million men, women and children in the United States. The AMF was founded in 2010 to provide access to information and resources for individuals living with migraine, as well as their loved ones. Working alongside the American Headache Society, the AMF's mission is to mobilize a community for patient support and advocacy, as well as drive and support innovative research that will lead to improvement in the lives of individuals living with migraine and other disabling diseases that cause severe head pain. For more information, please visit www.americanmigrainefoundation.org.

SOURCE The American Migraine Foundation

Related Links

http://www.americanmigrainefoundation.org