How Women Can Avoid Migraines During that Time-of-the-Month

The American Council for Headache Education (ACHE) launches its new Patient Education Page (PEP) in the journal, Headache. The page is a public service of ACHE, the patient education affiliate of the American Headache Society (AHS) and includes concise information that is useful for both patients and physicians. January’s page covers Menstrual Migraine: What You Should Know.

This first patient handout outlines migraine definitions, what to do, and various therapies that women can follow to help alleviate pain and symptoms during their menstrual period. Sufferers are encouraged to keep a calendar to track menstruation and migraine headaches while avoiding triggers, such as lack of sleep, alcohol or skipping meals.

Examples for treatment are provided as well, including information on various medications like triptans or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin. Although the information offered is not intended to be a diagnosis or recommended treatment, the Patient Education Page (PEP) can be an effective tool between physicians and patients to talk about healing.

PEPs are laid out in an easy-to-read format and are perforated, making it easy for physicians to tear out the page, copy and distribute them to their patients. Finally, physicians have something they can easily give to patients to quickly educate them on migraines, and patients know they can access easy-to-use information. As the journal is subscribed to widely across the globe, this resource can be at the fingertips of migraine sufferers worldwide.