For the estimated 28 million Americans who suffer from migraines, these debilitating headaches are often a family affair. While loved ones may not be aware of just how painful migraines can be, a new survey reveals that they are nonetheless affected by the sufferer’s condition.
According to a nationwide survey of migraine sufferers, their friends and family, many activities – including playing with children and household tasks – are disrupted by migraines. In fact, 87 percent of sufferers say they frequently or sometimes have to cancel plans due to migraine. Migraines also get in the way of intimacy, with 60 percent of sufferers and their spouses/partners reporting that migraines disrupt their sexual relationship. The survey was sponsored by Pfizer Inc.
Rachel Farris, a 38-year-old mother of two who has suffered migraines since high school, says that migraine disrupted her family for years, and that she and her husband could have used help explaining to their daughters what was wrong with mom. “Growing up, the girls regularly had to entertain themselves while I was in bed with the shades drawn, or worse, at the emergency...