Migraine specialists attending the American Headache Society (AHS) science meeting here this weekend say they believe that more government money for migraine research holds the most promise for winning the battle against the disease.
When asked to rank four areas of research need, 40 % say an increase in public funds is more important even than understanding basic aspects of the disease -- more than early intervention in a migraine attack (28%), migraine genetics (25%), or the role of the thalamus (6%).
"The infusion of public money in migraine is central to the conquest of this disease," said David W. Dodick, M.D., President of AHS. "Even researchers funded by private grants from academia or industry are calling for increases in allocations in Federal spending for this disease."
NIH allocates less than $13 million a year to migraine, he noted "Given the burden this disease carries and the great number of people who suffer with it, it should be more like $260 million," he said.
Most migraine specialists (35%) also believe that new therapies will evolve from more investment of money in the field, while 19% each see public awareness and physician education as important for investment. Twenty-six percent think investing in understanding the pathophysiology of migraine is valuable.
The two-question poll was conducted via electronic audience response onsite and included approximately 200 attendees. Some 500 migraine specialists from around the world are attending the meeting to share important new scientific data on the disease.
Some 36 million Americans suffer from migraine, more than have asthma or diabetes combined. Migraine is characterized by pulsating or throbbing headache pain which can be moderate to severe in intensity. Its severity can be extremely disabling for sufferers, painful enough to cause work loss and absence from activities with family and friends. Migraine costs the United States more than $20 billion each year. Costs are attributed to direct medical expenses (e.g. doctor visits, medications) and indirect expenses (e.g. missed work, lost productivity).
ABOUT THE AMERICAN HEADACHE SOCIETY
The American Headache Society® (AHS) is a professional society of health care providers dedicated to the study and treatment of headache and face pain. The Society's objectives are to promote the exchange of information and ideas concerning the causes and treatments of headache and related painful disorders. Educating physicians, health professionals and the public and encouraging scientific research are the primary functions of this organization. AHS activities include an annual scientific meeting, a comprehensive headache symposium, regional symposia for neurologists and family practice physicians, publication of the journal Headache and sponsorship of the AHS Committee for Headache Education (ACHE). www.americanheadachesociety.org