Clients suffering from disabling migraines often mention an intolerance of perfumes and other scents – i.e., aftershaves, perfumes, and other strong scents actually trigger migraines. If you are working through your migraines, it can be difficult to bring the issue up to your employer. Many people are concerned that they will be viewed as a complainer, told to put up with it, or brushed off with an explanation that no one can control other workers’ freedom to wear scented products.
Fairly recently, a federal court considered the case of Susan McBride, an employee of the City of Detroit suing under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for the City’s failure to accommodate her extreme chemical sensitivity with a no perfume policy. Ms. McBride claimed that her coworkers’ perfume caused her to become ill, miss work, and require medical treatment. Her employer refused to recognize her chemical sensitivity as a disability and failed to provide accommodations. The Court held that Ms. McBride presented a sufficient case for a disability within the meaning of the ADA and that a no perfume policy would have been a reasonable accommodation.
While this case did not deal with migraines specifically, it is noteworthy in that it opens the door to cases brought by individuals suffering from migraines triggered by chemical sensitivities and may increase awareness of the disabling effect migraines can have in the work environment.
If your migraines are triggered by environmental factors such as strong scents in the workplace, make sure you mention it to your doctor so that it appears in your medical record. Medical documentation will make or break a disability claim based on migraine headaches, so you should ensure that your medical providers have a complete picture of your condition as well as its impact on your ability to function at your job.
Filed under Migraine issues in the news by on Nov 11th, 2009. 1 Comment. 
A new study on migraine headaches has yielded some potentially dramatic results for migraine sufferers. Dr. Bahman Guyoron, Chairman of Plastic Surgery at University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, authored the study. He is an internationally recognized leader in the field of plastic surgery.
The study followed 79 migraine sufferers for at least five years after these participants had undergone detection of migraine “trigger sites.” Once these trigger sites were identified, the participants underwent surgery to treat these trigger sites. For instance, for patients who experience frontal migraine headaches, Dr. Guyoron removed the corrugator supercilii (frowning muscles) in the forehead. Temple migraine headaches were treated by removing a portion of the trigeminal nerve. Occiptal headaches (felt in the back of the head) were treated by removing a small piece of muscle encasing the occipital nerve and replacing it with a soft tissue flap. Lastly, for those suffering from migraine headaches that are felt behind the eyes, often caused by changes in weather, Dr. Guyoron worked on the nose septum and surrounding structures.
The results of this five year study were quite promising. Some participants were removed from the study for various reasons. Of the remaining participants, 88 percent have maintained the initial positive response to the surgery. 29 percent of the participants reported elimination of migraines entirely. 59 percent of patients noticed a significant decrease in their symptoms, and only 11 percent experienced less than a 50 percent improvement or no change at all. Clearly, the data provides strong evidence that surgical manipulation of migraine trigger sites can improve symptoms for migraine sufferers.
If you experience migraines regularly, you may consider discussing this study with your doctor. Migraines can be quite debilitating, but the results of this study indicate that surgical manipulation of your trigger sites could go a very long way in eliminating the role headaches play in your life.
Filed under Medical news by on Nov 17th, 2009. 1 Comment.
As you probably know, migraine headaches can be very debilitating. The cause of them is still debated in the medical community. A study released in June, however, has found brain lesions in the brains of individuals who suffer from migraines. Researchers looked closely at 4,600 men and women over 40 years of age. These participants reported having experienced headaches at midlife. They submitted to a brain scan decades after the onset of these headaches. Researchers discovered brain lesions in many of the participants. Among the women participants, the risk of brain lesions appeared to be higher for those women who experienced auras prior to a migraine. The lesions were most prevalent in the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for sensory integration and motor control.
Some better news for migraine sufferers, particularly women, is also available. A recent study indicates that women who experience migraines may be less likely to develop brain cancer. The study was published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Scientists selected 9,000 women participants who had suffered from migraines. These women were found to be 26% less likely to have had breast cancer. The researchers believe this may have to do with changing hormone levels; migraines are known to occur after there are drops in estrogen levels. More research is needed to better understand why those women who suffer migraines appear to have a smaller chance of developing breast cancer.
Migraines are a painful ailment. If you experience migraines and are pursuing a Social Security Disability claim, then you know just how painful they can be. There are various medications which have proven helpful. It will help your disability claim if you can show the SSA that you have tried some specialized medications due to your migraines.
Additionally, the SSA may even look at your lifestyle choices in determining whether you are eligible for benefits. You want to portray yourself as someone who wants to help yourself. Try exercising, avoiding certain “trigger foods,” etc. That way, if the Social Security Judge asks you what steps you have taken to improve your condition, you can genuinely describe the lifestyle changes you have made to try to minimize the debilitating impact of migraines.
Filed under Medical news by on Nov 25th, 2009. 1 Comment.
