UK Migraine news: Migraine Awareness Week Sept 7-13, 2008

What a great week for advocacy and awareness both in the US and the UK!

This week is Migraine Awareness Week in the UK, courtesy of the Migraine Trust. From the press release:

The Migraine Trust (www.migrainetrust.org), is the UK’s leading medical research charity for the condition. Wendy Thomas, chief executive of The Migraine Trust said: “There are so many treatments available now – both conventional and complementary – people really can be in much better control of their migraine.

“We’ve pulled together these tips as there are lots of simple things that you can do to reduce the number of attacks you have and the impact they can have on your everyday life.”

The Migraine Trust’s top ten tips for being migraine smart are:
* See your doctor and get a diagnosis
* Understand your medication, why you are taking it, how much you take and what it is meant to do
* Learn about your migraine triggers
* Understand the difference between a headache and a migraine
* Keep a migraine diary for three months
* Drink plenty of water - stay hydrated
* Eat regularly – avoid sugary snacks
* Take regular exercise at the right pace for you
* Think about lighting and posture, particularly at work
* Try to maintain a regular sleep pattern

The Migraine Trust is also running two main events for migraine sufferers during Migraine Awareness Week 2008:

Sunday 7 September 2008 - scientific conference

The European Headache and Migraine Trust International Congress (EHMTIC) 2008 (http://www.ehmticongress2008.com/) is an event for international neurological experts and researchers which will take place 4-7 September 2008. Members of the public can attend a special session of the conference on Sunday 7 September to find out the very latest on migraine research and treatments. For more information, email events@migrainetrust.org or call 020 7462 6606.

Saturday 13 September 2008 – Introduction to Migraine workshop

To mark the end of Migraine Awareness Week, The Migraine Trust is holding a workshop for people who have recently been diagnosed with the condition. This free Introduction to Migraine workshop will take place at Coram’s Fields, 93 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DN from 10.00 – 11.30am on Saturday 13th September 2008. For more information, email events@migrainetrust.org or call 020 7462 6606.

For further information about migraine, treatments and much more, visit The Migraine Trust website at www.migrainetrust.org or call the Trust’s helpline on 020 7436 1336. Alternatively, you can write to The Migraine Trust at 55-56 Russell Square, London WC1B 4HP.

Maybe we can contact them about removing the word 'headache' in their description of Migraine:

Migraine is a condition of recurring headaches that may be linked with other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light and noise, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and eyesight changes.

Regardless, the world seems to be pulling together to raise Migraine awareness.

Thanks to MaxJerz from rhymeswithmigraine for the heads-up.