WAR VETERANS HEALTH RESOURCE INITIATIVE
These studies, like others that have preceded them,“ speak very strongly to the need to assess and treat all the different problems that veterans are experiencing,” Dr. Afari says.“ Veterans often come in to the VA and get tracked for one issue, like PTSD, when they would benefit from a more comprehensive assessment for both mental health and physical health consequences of combat.”
It also speaks to the need for better resources to help soldiers cope with headaches and other common postcombat issues. That’ s why the NHF launched the War Veterans Health Resource Initiative, www. headaches. org / warveterans. This site will provide military men and women with a comprehensive list of resources for coping with neurological trauma— including headache and migraine— and other aspects of post-deployment life. Veterans can access links to information on a wide variety of topics, including military discounts, medical experts, treatment facilities, physical therapy, mental health counseling, job training and disability claims assistance. There are also online forums where they can share stories and discuss experiences.
“ People need to understand that migraine is not just a bad headache. It is a neurobiological disease that often comes with severe nausea, blinding light sensitivity, extreme noise sensitivity, vertigo, and visual aura that makes handling weapons and heavy equipment nearly impossible,” says Marc Husid, MD, director of the Walton Headache Center at Walton Rehabilitation Health System in Augusta, Ga.“ It is a disease that can take a physically fit and mentally tough young soldier and remove him or her from active duty. The NHF site is going to be useful to my patients and their families in dealing with this challenge.”
Dr. Afari’ s study received the 2011 Seymour Diamond Lectureship Award for being the most significant paper in the field of headache or pain published in the last year. HW
“ Veterans with both migraine and tensiontype headache had significantly higher rates of PTSD than those who had migraine or tensiontype headache alone.”
For help dealing with post-combat issues, visit the War Veterans Health Resource Initiative at www. headaches. org / warveterans.
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