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.

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.