Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), a frequent injury experienced by veterans, have been linked to either triggering or exacerbating pre-existing migraine disease. One study that followed veterans with deployment-related TBI for 4–11 years after injury reported more frequent and severe headaches compared to veterans without TBI. 89% of these veterans experienced PTH (post traumatic headache) with a phenotype of migraine [1]. Veterans living with TBI are also: - Twice as likely to live with depression and/or a substance use disorder. - Three times more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Amid these challenges, veterans can face risk of MoH due to frequent use of contributing medications. Additionally, if their migraine is not treated properly, the veterans are at risk of migraine chronification [2]. This is where a drug-free, non-disruptive treatment like the REN wearable comes in.* The Nerivio® REN wearable harnesses the brain’s natural pain management abilities to treat migraine pain and related symptoms without the need for prescription medications, minimizing potential side effects and lowering the risk of MOH. BONUS: Nerivio is covered under VA benefits, ensuring our veterans have access to effective, safe migraine treatment. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eGWuyXDk — 1. Couch et al, “Headache Prevalence at 4-11 Years After Deployment-Related Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and Comparison to Controls: A Matched Case-Controlled Study” 2. Gaseperi et al, “Migraine Prevalence, Environmental Risk, and Comorbidities in Men and Women Veterans” *Nerivio® is a neuromodulation device indicated for the acute and/or preventive treatment of migraine with or without aura in patients 12 years of age and up. Nerivio can be obtained with a medical prescription. As with any therapy, there may be side effects and contraindications. Not all patients respond to the therapy in the same way, meaning that treatment results can vary individually. Consult with your healthcare provider to see if Nerivio is right for you. More information about Nerivio can be found here: Nerivio.com.
Are you a veteran with migraine or other headache disorders? How has your military experience affected these conditions? Veterans are much more likely to experience migraine and other headache disorders than civilians. Our veterans- and all of us living with headache disorders- deserve better options and better access when it comes to new and more effective treatments. Of those who have completed a one-year tour in Iraq, American vets are 3x more likely to have probable migraine. While the rate for either chronic daily headache or chronic migraine in the general population is around 3%, it is over 20% in the post-9/11 combat Veteran population. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is known as the signature injury for the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. TBI, including concussion, can trigger or exacerbate pre-existing migraine. About 50-70% of those who have sustained a TBI develop a headache disorder. Many veterans with migraine also live with debilitating comorbidities, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain conditions. In the VA system, 80% of veterans with TBI also have a comorbid psychiatric condition. These vets with TBI are 2x more likely to live with depression and/or a substance use disorder, and 3x more likely to live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.) Veterans with a history of TBI are 1.55x more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Migraine and mental health disorders have a close relationship, and improving one condition may often help to improve the others. Are you a veteran living with migraine and/or other headache disorders? What tips do you have for others in a similar situation? . . . #MHAM #MigraineWorldSummit #Migraine #ChronicMigraine #MigraineAwareness #ChronicPain