HeadWise HeadWise: Volume 5, Issue 1 | Page 25

FIGURE 2
Figure 2 A real-life example of an individual user ’ s Protector , Trigger , and No Association Maps™ . Factors found closer to the center of the target indicate a higher degree of association with respect of decreasing ( protector ) or increasing ( trigger ) risk of migraine attacks .
automated diaries only accelerate a manual process . They are not able to dismiss suspected triggers that , in fact , are not associated with attacks . Additionally , the ability to identify protectors – factors that are associated with decreasing the risk of an attack -- has not been within reach of conventional diaries .
The Curelator Headache / NHF study demonstrates that a different kind of diary approach can enable a technology that identifies both triggers and protectors and also dismisses non-relevant factors . This approach , when applied on an individual basis , reveals an extraordinary difference between individuals , and can help us untangle the complex interaction between triggers and protectors that governs attacks .
What ’ s next ? Since some factors can be triggers in some individuals and protectors in others , the Curelator Headache / NHF study shows the importance of daily tracking and measuring possible triggers , protectors , prescription therapies , and even alternative therapies on an individual basis . The next phase of the Curelator Headache / NHF study will be to expand the study to a larger population in collaboration with headache specialists who will receive referral coupons that allow their patients to enter the study costfree . Participants must obtain a referral coupon through their physician and be willing to be interviewed about their experience after receiving their results .
In parallel , Curelator Headache and the NHF are planning to initiate a similar study with a pediatric population . The pediatric study will focus on factors more relevant to children and adolescents . Additional information , including how to register , may be found on the Curelator Headache website ( www . curelator . com ). Migraineurs who are interested in the product for their own use , can purchase it on the Curelator Headache website . HW
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