Monroe 1
Jacqueline Monroe
W233
Mr. Weller
Polished Outline of Research on Migraines
Purpose: To show and convince my readers of the importance of understanding
migraines.
Thesis: Migraines are a serious disease that effect many people, and must be taught to
the general public so that misconceptions can be replaced with knowledge and
understanding.
Audience: Current professor and university classmates
I. Introduction: The seriousness of migraines is often underestimated by the general
public, doctors, family members, and even the migraine sufferers
themselves.
A. What is a migraine?:
A migraine is like nothing one has ever experienced before. It could even be described as a terrifying carnival ride full of flashing lights, whirling seats, and the deafening roar of loud noises pounding in your head.
1. Aura
2. No aura
B. Symptoms
II. Body
A. My interest:
My interest in migraine disease stems in part because I am a migraine sufferer myself.
Through my experiences with migraines, its effects on my life, and the response of those around me, I have come to realize that there is still a need for others to understand more about migraines.
1. My symptoms
2. Effects on my life
3. Grandmother
B. Migraine Myths:
The myths surrounding migraines are plentiful. These myths are so common that it can be difficult to determine the truth without the proper knowledge. Unfortunately, these myths can be as debilitating for the sufferer as the migraine itself. This is why it is so vital to gain an accurate perspective on the disease.
C. Effects on life:
Migraines can have a devastating effect on the life of the suffer. It is not unusual for migraines to cause problems in one’s personal, family, and occupational responsibilities.
If one has a loving family and understanding employer, changes can be made to minimize the difficulty in completing day-to-day tasks.
1. Personal

2. Family
3. Occupational
E. What causes migraines?:
Despite the common misconception, a migraine is not simply a bad headache. A migraine is caused by vasodilation of the cranial blood vessels (expansion of the blood vessels), while headaches are caused by vasoconstriction of the cranial blood vessels
(narrowing of the blood vessels).
1. Changes in blood flow in brain
2. Genes
3. Heredity
F. Who gets migraines?:
Unlike many diseases, migraines do not affect one group of people. Migraines can affect people of any age, race, and gender. Therefore, it is important for everyone to understand the implications of migraines.
1. Children
2. Women
3. Men
G. Triggers:
There is a big difference between a trigger and a cause. The two terms can be very confusing, and most people do not fully comprehend the difference between the two.
When it comes to migraines, the cause is the vasodilation of the cranial blood vessels, while the trigger is what initiates the vasodilation.
1. What is a trigger?
2. Types of triggers
3. How to discover triggers
H. Treatments:
Migraine treatments are almost too numerous to count. A medication for migraine relief can be found regardless of the combination of symptoms that the sufferer has. For those uncomfortable with traditional medicine, natural treatments have also been known to aid in relief. It is important to learn about the different types of migraine treatments so that the sufferer is given the most effective treatment possible.
1. Prescribed
a. Botox R
b. Sumatriptan
c. Estrogen
2. Natural Treatments
a. Feverfew
b. Magnesium
c. Riboflavin
I. Ten Steps to Better Communication with Clinician:
Many people are under the false assumption that doctors know everything, and that they always have the correct course of action at their fingertips. This assumption simply isn’t correct. Every migraine sufferer is different and will react to treatments in their own unique way. The doctor also has no idea what is going on in the mind of the patient. It is vital for the migraine sufferer to have good communication with their clinician so that they can receive the best and most helpful treatment the will suit their needs.

D. Support Groups:
Without the understanding of those surrounding them, the migraine sufferer may be unable to face each day. There are many support groups that are readily available to assist the migraine sufferer.
J. Conclusion: As more research is being done to discover ways to prevent migraines and new medications are being sold to combat the symptoms of this debilitating disease, people should continue to be taught how real and devastating the effects of migraines are on the sufferer. There is no reason why ignorance of such a widespread disease such as migraines should continue in today’s advanced society. For those who know someone who suffers from migraines, please be thoughtful when you offer them advice. Make sure it’s not toxic, such as, “you need to learn how to relax”,
“cheer up, it can’t be that bad”, or “you shouldn’t drink that coke”, or other well-meaning but debilitating remarks. Instead, offer to turn down the lights and the radio, and let them know you understand.