Enhancing migraine diagnosis and treatment to improve quality of life in women with migraines

Abstract

Migraine is a complex neurovascular disorder of the brain characterized by episodes of severe head pain and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system with or without aura. Migraine affects nearly 324 million people worldwide and causes severe disability in women during the most productive years of life. The World Health Organization considers severe migraine to be as disabling as quadriplegia and terminal stage cancer. Healthcare professionals often perceive migraine headaches as minor complaints, resulting in poorly acknowledged physical, emotional, and economic burdens contributing to diminished quality of life in women with migraine disorder. Approximately 10 million people suffer from migraines in the United States, yet evidence suggests that management of migraine is suboptimal. The purpose of the thesis is to educate healthcare professionals on the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of migraine disorders to enhance care of patients and improve quality of life. An interdisciplinary review of research was completed using the online databases Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE- EBSCOhost, Academic Search Premier, and PubMed. Findings concluded that migraines impact quality of life in the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of well-being. Nursing implications for improving migraine management and quality of life include advocating for clients with migraines, seeking continuous education in regards to migraine management, educating clients and their families about managing migraines, and competently caring for clients with migraines.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2010

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Covelli, Maureen

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Degree Program

Nursing

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Nursing;Nursing -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022425

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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