Latest news with #chronicmigraine
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Making The Most Of Life With Chronic Migraine
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Chronic migraine is a debilitating condition that's both painful and frustrating. It's defined as 15 or more headache days per month for more than three months, with at least eight of those days including migraine-specific symptoms: Nausea and vomiting. Mood changes. Sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells. There's a decent chance you nodded your head to at least a couple of those symptoms. According to the American Migraine Foundation, 85 percent of the 4 million Americans who live with chronic migraine are women—possibly due to hormone fluctuations around menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, among other triggers. There's good news, though. Many women with chronic migraine have found ways to not only live with the condition, but thrive in spite of it. Women's Health spoke to three of them about their migraine journeys, from their first experiences with severe headaches to the management strategies that have allowed them to live their lives to the fullest. Gina Romero, 33, a licensed therapist and group-practice owner in Las Vegas: 'I remember this so vividly. I was 23 years old, and I was driving home from work on a Friday night. I remember being annoyed because I thought that everyone was driving with their bright lights on, and I even flashed my brights at one driver—which I feel bad about, because they didn't do anything wrong! I got home after the 20-minute drive and my head hurt so badly. I ended up spending the next 24 hours in bed, battling a sharp pain that left me unable to function. After consulting with Dr. Google, I came to the conclusion that I had just had my first migraine. I assumed it was a fluke at the time, but it ended up being just the first of many over the next decade.' Laura Haver, 46, an author, speaker, and coach in Chicago: 'I got my first migraine shortly after the birth of my first son. He was born in an emergency C-section. I had a lot of medical complications post-delivery. I never had headaches growing up, so when I got my first migraine, I was like, Whoa! What is this madness? My migraines began with fuzzy vision and/or neck, jaw, or shoulder pain. My symptoms would blow up to the point where I had to surrender to my 'cave'—my bedroom—with every single shade and curtain pulled and the door closed. I'd lie in pain for days at a time, barely eating until the migraine finally subsided.' Angela Zade, 46, a marketing director in Phoenix: 'I'd been suffering with severe chronic migraines most of my adult life, but I hadn't realized they were migraines until I was formally diagnosed in 2018. I was often treated for sinus infections that were actually migraines. Migraine presents itself differently in every patient—it's like a moving target.' Haver: 'My migraines had a large impact for too many years. I hated that my husband had to do everything while I was down with one, and I missed time with my kids. I was apprehensive about making plans to do anything, as I didn't want to have to cancel. I went to different doctors, neurologists, naturopaths, chiropractors, and more. I tried various medications, but they all seemed to have a boomerang effect, making my migraines worse. My naturopath thought my trigger was food-related, so I cut out processed and aged foods. I felt like I could barely eat anything. I was miserable. But I was still determined to do anything I could to stop my migraines.' Zade: 'I was unable to work full-time, so I moved in with my parents at the obscene age of 39. 'Being normal' was out of the question for me, and I became incredibly isolated. Ultimately, I was hospitalized in October 2018 for 16 days, and again in November 2018 for five days at a clinic that used zero opiates. Instead, I was treated with non-opiate abortive medications that finally broke my ongoing migraine. The formula that worked for me included neuromodulating injectables every three months, as well as a tiered medication system that includes 'cycle breakers'—a cycle happens when migraines erupt from triggers like menstruation, wind, or sleep deprivation.' Romero: 'Migraines have been a part of my life for over 10 years. At their worst, they've disrupted work, my social life, and relationships. My most severe migraine happened when I was 25; it left me with blurry vision and without feeling in my hands. My supervisor had to drive me home from work because it wasn't safe for me to be there—I worked in a prison at the time. I've canceled plans last-minute and worked through pain and discomfort, because the world doesn't stop for chronic illness. The unpredictability can feel isolating, especially when others don't understand that it's not 'just a headache.'' Romero: 'Managing migraines goes beyond just medication for me. I pay attention to early signs, like neck stiffness or sensory sensitivity, and try to act quickly. I focus on hydration, gentle movements, and managing my stress load. I've learned the hard way that pushing through only makes things worse, so now I plan recovery time into my schedule as a non-negotiable. Even if I can't prevent every migraine, these choices help reduce the intensity and impact.' Zade: 'During my hospitalizations, other patients talked me into believing that I'd be in and out of the hospital for the rest of my life like them. A thoughtful psychologist on staff countered: 'The patients who got better are not here at this hospital to tell you that you, too, will get better.' And she was right. I haven't been hospitalized since. Thanks to my treatment plan, I'm back working full-time again, I rarely have to skip a social gathering, and I was able to have a migraine-free wedding day!' Haver: 'I eat relatively healthy foods, and I make movement part of my routine, even just a simple walk. I drink enough water and get enough sleep. And if I begin to feel overly tired or worn out, I go to bed earlier, sneak in a nap, or do a short meditation to get back on track.' Romero: 'I've tried a lot of things over the years, including medication, acupuncture, therapy, and stress management. I've learned to take a proactive, holistic approach. I track triggers and try not to override my body's early-warning signs. I also lean on routines that support my nervous system, such as consistent sleep and pacing my workload. These approaches aren't always perfect, but they help lower the frequency and severity of attacks. What's been most effective for me are sumatriptan injections. They work very quickly and reliably, and they've been the least disruptive to my daily life. When I take an injection, I'm typically able to return to normal life within 15 to 30 minutes. This is a huge win, as it sometimes took me 8 to 10 hours to recover with other medications.' Haver: 'For years, once a migraine began, there was nothing I could do but wait it out in my cave. They even got so bad that I would throw up—until finally I took matters into my own hands and sought alternative solutions. A coach introduced me to the healing power of energy work. It was a game changer! I created my own daily energy practice—a fusion of energy clearing, meditation, mindfulness, prayer, and more. It helps me release stress. My migraines have since turned into occasional headaches.' Zade: 'I still undergo neuromodulating treatments every three months. I continue care with my neurologist in Chicago, where I lived previously, and have also established care with a local neurologist here in Phoenix. It sounds extreme to have two neurologists, but when you were as debilitated as I was, you can't afford to take any chances. And I know that this journey is ongoing, especially as I enter perimenopause, with more hormonal changes that will undoubtedly impact my migraine-treatment plan.' Haver: 'First thing: I'm sorry you're having a hard time. And like me, I bet you've been doing so much to try to stop getting migraines. In my experience, my migraines were my body's way of shutting down. I simply couldn't push through anymore. Once I began listening to my body, and honoring myself and my needs, I was able to slowly and significantly reduce my migraines. And if I can do it, you can do it too!' Romero: 'You can build a full life, even with chronic migraines. It just might look different than you expected. Don't be afraid to rewrite the rules of how a 'productive' or 'good' day looks. Let go of guilt, ask for accommodations, and don't be afraid to take up space with your needs. Advocate for yourself. Also, get familiar with your pharmacy options, because the logistics of chronic illness can be half the battle.' Zade: 'Do NOT give up! It does get better.' You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Globe and Mail
15-06-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
The hidden toll of chronic migraine on workers and companies
This is the weekly Work Life newsletter. If you are interested in more careers-related content, sign up to receive it in your inbox. One of Maya Carvalho's worst migraines lasted nine days. 'I was completely bedridden,' she says. 'My pain was so intense it felt like if I moved my head an inch, it would crack open.' She had been thriving in a high-powered role at a multi-national beauty company in New York City when migraine suddenly entered her life. 'It hit me out of the blue,' she says. 'I hadn't had migraines before, not even as a kid.' Almost overnight, what started as one attack escalated into chronic migraine – defined as 15 or more migraine days per month. 'I knew I couldn't perform at the level I wanted to. And there was no conversation about accommodations, no awareness that migraine was a disease. So I had to walk away [from my job],' she says. 'It was devastating.' A costly, invisible disease Today, chronic migraine affects an estimated 1-2.2 per cent of the global population while migraines affect 12 to 15 per cent, with women more likely to be affected. According to the World Health Organization, a day with severe migraine is as disabling as a day with quadriplegia. That's why Toronto-based Ms. Carvalho, who is the founder of the Canadian Migraine Society, is passionate about helping workplaces understand the full weight of this invisible neurological disease. Migraine is often more than head pain. It can involve light and sound sensitivity, nausea, vomiting and vertigo. 'Each person has their own constellation of symptoms,' Ms. Carvalho says. 'But the pain is intense. I've had women tell me it's worse than childbirth.' The productivity paradox From a business perspective, migraine is a silent disruptor. Ms. Carvalho says employers often focus on absenteeism, but presenteeism – when employees are present at work, but not functioning at full capacity because of pain or other issues – may be even more costly. '[Presenteeism] affects productivity, and often leads to isolation and mental health struggles,' she says. Yet, with a few simple, low-cost changes, workplaces can make a difference. Scent-free policies, anti-glare screens, quiet spaces and flexible work options can be game-changers, she says. 'Even just letting someone work from home one day a week can help,' she says. Ms. Carvalho also urges HR teams to review their benefits plans. 'Making sure that the newest migraine treatments are covered can prevent the disease from escalating,' she says. 'We wouldn't have to keep watching women leave the workforce at their peak.' Workplace equity at stake For Ms. Carvalho, supporting people with migraine is about more than healthcare – it's about fairness. 'This is a work equity issue,' she says. 'Supporting those with chronic migraine isn't charity. It's smart business.' Her message to those experiencing chronic migraine is clear: 'You are not alone, and there is absolutely hope for you. We'll walk this journey with you – it doesn't have to be this hard.' 30 per cent That's how many of the menu items Starbucks plans to cut, while adding new trendier offerings such as protein cold foam, which offers 15 grams of banana flavoured, muscle-building goodness. Read more Feedback is key to employee development but, according to this article, it's effectiveness depends on timing. Research suggests mornings are best, as most people are more alert and receptive earlier in the day because of natural circadian rhythms, which influence sleep-wake cycles, hormone production and body temperature. Read more 'If someone comes to me and says they're raising a million dollars, I'll ask right away, 'How long does that get your company through?' If they cannot tell me that it's around 24 months, or even a bit more, we have to restructure the round completely,' says Mary Dimou, general partner at Nàdarra Ventures. In this article, capital investment pros share how you can raise capital during uncertain times, emphasizing proactive communication, strategic timing and pivoting your message when it's not landing. Read more 'Canadian‑made' isn't just a nice‑to‑have; it's a smart strategy. More companies are going local to connect with consumers who care about ethics and sustainability. The bonus? Leaner supply chains, honest branding and a tighter bond with customers. Read more
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Salvia BioElectronics Secures $60M in Oversubscribed Series B to Bring its Pioneering Migraine Therapy to Market
Series B funding round led by Innovation Industries, with participation from Invest-NL, EIC Fund, and existing investors Inkef, Panakès Partners, SHS Capital, Dolby Family Ventures, Brabant Development Agency (BOM) and Thuja Capital. Proceeds will fund completion of clinical development and commercial launch preparations for MySalvia Therapy in the United States, Europe and Australia. Eindhoven, the Netherlands, May 27, 2025: Salvia BioElectronics, a clinical-stage medical device company pioneering neuromodulation therapy for people with chronic migraine, today announced the successful completion of a $60 million (€53 million) Series B financing round. The round was led by Innovation Industries, a European deeptech venture capital firm, with participation from Invest-NL and EIC Fund. Existing investors Inkef, Panakès Partners, SHS Capital, Dolby Family Ventures, BOM and Thuja Capital also joined the round. The funds enable Salvia to complete clinical development and prepare for the commercial launch of MySalvia Therapy, which is currently evaluated in the RECLAIM study, a multi-center, double-blind, sham-controlled study for people with chronic migraine. The funds also allow Salvia to focus on obtaining FDA market authorization in the US and regulatory approvals in Europe and Australia. Salvia is transforming migraine treatment with its proprietary neuromodulation technology, a personalized, minimally invasive therapy designed for people with chronic migraine. Salvia's ultra-thin implant targets key nerves involved in migraine, aiming to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. 'With the support of this strong investor syndicate, we are empowered to bring MySalvia Therapy to patients in desperate need of new treatment options,' said Hubert Martens, founder and CEO of Salvia BioElectronics. 'Chronic migraine is not 'just a headache'. It is a debilitating neurological condition that forces people out of their social life, their work, and the life they want to live. Our mission is to restore their freedom. MySalvia Therapy is designed to provide not just relief, but meaningful and lasting impact. We believe people with migraine deserve the opportunity to reclaim their lives. With this funding, we are advancing toward regulatory approval and commercialization, with the ultimate goal of reaching millions of people affected by chronic migraine.' Addressing the global migraine burden Migraine is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, resulting in an estimated $110 billion annually in lost productivity and medical costs in the EU and US alone. Current treatment options do not always provide sufficient relief, with the majority of chronic patients discontinuing their medication within the first year. This high dropout rate highlights the urgent need for alternative therapies. 'Salvia BioElectronics is redefining the migraine therapy landscape with a bold, patient-centered approach that combines cutting-edge neuromodulation with an elegant, minimally invasive design', said Caaj Greebe, Partner at Innovation Industries. 'At Innovation Industries, we invest in breakthrough technologies that have the potential to solve the most pressing real-world challenges and Salvia BioElectronics does exactly that: offering life-changing solutions for millions of people living with chronic migraine. We are excited to partner with the Salvia team as they advance through their clinical development to deliver a meaningful new therapy.' Transforming migraine treatment landscape Salvia's FDA-designated Breakthrough Device represents a promising new treatment option for patients who have not responded to available therapies. Early clinical data indicates a potential reduction in the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks when using the company's neuromodulation technology. The RECLAIM study is currently underway in Europe and Australia, with additional studies planned in the US to evaluate the therapy's safety and effectiveness. Salvia's implant is significantly less invasive than conventional technology, which reduces surgical complexity, patient recovery time, and offers a visually discreet solution. MySalvia Therapy is designed to put patients in full control. The therapy uses two ultra-thin implants, placed just beneath the skin of the forehead and the back of the head. Salvia's approach is user-activated and on demand. To activate therapy, patients use an external wearable device and simply press a button to deliver targeted stimulation exactly when and where it is needed. The technology also holds promise for treating cluster headache, a severely painful neurological condition with few effective treatment options. About Salvia BioElectronics Salvia BioElectronics is pioneering neuromodulation therapy aiming to transform the migraine treatment landscape. Designed to provide meaningful relief, MySalvia Therapy features an ultra-thin implant that comprehensively targets key nerves involved in migraine. Salvia is driven by the belief that people with chronic migraine deserve the opportunity to reclaim their lives. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, Salvia is led by a team of industry veterans with extensive experience in medical devices and neuromodulation. Active in the United States, Europe and Australia, the company is advancing clinical development with the support of leading investors. Salvia is also exploring the potential of its technology for the treatment of cluster headache. Learn more at: About Innovation Industries Innovation Industries is a leading European deep tech venture capital firm with €1 billion in capital under management. The firm invests in visionary science and engineering-based companies that tackle the world's most pressing challenges. With a strong belief that deep tech can deliver both outsized financial returns and global impact, Innovation Industries partners with exceptional entrepreneurs and researchers to turn scientific breakthroughs into transformative companies. The firm provides long-term capital and strategic support from lab to scale, actively bridging the gap between academia and industry through close collaboration with leading technical universities, research institutions and industry partners. Innovation Industries has offices in Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Munich. Learn more at: Media contact: Ingelou StolDirector Marketing 6 54903511Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
