Media representatives are invited to attend the American Academy of NeurologyÃs 49th Annual Meeting April 12-19, 1997, at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston, Mass. Below is a summary of a news release on a migraine study that will be presented during the meeting. PLEASE NOTE EMBARGO DATE. For full releases, for more information about the meeting in Boston or to request the Abstracts-on-Disk, contact Sarah Parsons or Rona Stewart at 612-623-8115 or by e-mail [email protected].
Brain Awareness Week is almost here! See the news release below for information on AAN activities during Brain Awareness Week, March 17-23. To talk with a neurologist in your area about Brain Awareness Week, contact Julie Emnett at (612) 623-2420 or by e-mail [email protected].
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 5:30 PM, TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1997
Drug Improves Productivity by 50 Percent for Migraine Sufferers
Migraine-associated productivity improved by about 50 percent in migraine sufferers after using the drug sumatriptan in the workplace, according to a study released during the American Academy of NeurologyÃs 49th Annual Meeting, April 12-19, in Boston, MA. A double-blind study of 132 migraines sufferers evaluated the impact of sumatriptan injection compared with placebo on the productivity loss during a migraine attack in the workplace. While at work half of the patients were given a placebo and the other half a sumatriptan injection to treat their migraine. The study then examined the patientsà ability to return to normal work performance through a self-reported assessment.
ìThe study is promising because migraine today is a very treatable disease for most people,î said study author Roger Cady, MD, director of the Headache Care Center in Springfield, MO. ìWe can treat this disease rapidly and really focus on preserving function for individuals rather than controlling their symptoms. Treating migraine in the workplace is a very valid option.î Sumatriptan-treated patients compared with placebo-treated patients were more effective while working and missed work less because of migraine symptoms during the work shift. The study showed that during an eight-hour work shift the sumatriptan-treated patients lost only 86 minutes of work due to migraine and the placebo-treated patients missed as much as 168 minutes. Two hours after the injection, 79 percent of the sumatriptan-treated patients experienced relief, compared with 32 percent of the placebo-treated patients.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE American Academy of Neurology Participate in Second Annual Brain Awareness Week Event Members of the American Academy of Neurology will be holding various school, community and hospital education programs across the country as part of Brain Awareness Week, March 17-23. These activities, focusing on the brain and its functions, are part of a nationwide campaign to inform the general public of the benefits of brain research.
The American Academy of Neurology continues to be an active partner with the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives and numerous government, scientific and private health and advocacy organizations to organize the second annual Brain Awareness Week activities.
ìBrain Awareness Week is a unique opportunity to create a critical mass of public awareness and concern about support for brain research,î said Kenneth M. Viste Jr., MD, president of the Academy. ìAs a partner in this effort, the Academy is working with its members, on a local level, to spread the word about progress in research and advances in the treatment of neurological diseases.î
The Academy has recruited more than 400 members to participate in a speakersà bureau. These individuals have agreed to volunteer their time to develop and present programs in their communities about the brain and brain diseases. Last year during Brain Awareness Week, a number of AAN members conducted in-school programs with students to teach them about the brain. Similar activities are being planned this year, as well as open laboratories for the public, community wellness meetings, Grand Rounds and other programs.
The American Academy of Neurology is an association of more than 14,500 neurologists and neuroscience professionals dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. EditorÃs Note: If you are interested in talking with an AAN member in your area about Brain Awareness Week, contact Julie Emnett at (612) 623-2420.
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