Reroute Migraine Relief Launched For Understanding of Underrecognized Connection Between the Brain and Gut
A new educational offering (Reroute Migraine Relief; Impel NeuroPharma, Seattle, CA) to raise awareness of the complexities of migraine, including the underrecognized connection between the brain and gut, has been launched. This new offering is available on reroutemigrainerelief.com, and providesinformation about the intricacies of migraine. The website features unique illustrations from internationally renowned portrait artist Ed Fairburn.
Among the information on the site is a summary of a study published in an issue of Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain that found that GI disorders are not often recognized in individuals with migraine. Migraine affect the brain and the gut which causes gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms related to migraine. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and more. About 73% of individuals with migraine experience nausea, and 29% experience vomiting.
“Migraine is complex, and evidence suggests it affects the entire body, including the gut. GI symptoms can delay or reduce the absorption of oral medications, leaving patients with incomplete or inadequate relief from migraine symptoms,” said Lauren Natbony, MD, neurologist and headache specialist. “Given the prevalence of GI symptoms in people with migraine, there is a need for a better understanding of the connection between migraine and the gut.”
Ed Fairburn understands how complex and debilitating migraines are. Fairburn is skillful for his integration of portraiture and cartography. Fairburn renovates the topography of existing maps into portraits in the educational initiative, emphasizing that migraines can be hard to navigate.
“My experience, and that of so many others who live with migraine, has inspired the artwork I’ve developed for Reroute Migraine Relief, and I’m excited to be able to bring the complexities of migraine to life,” said Fairburn. “The maps I use as the basis of my work reveal the complex inner workings of cities and their twisting, turning roads. For many, that’s what life with migraine entails – trying to navigate various symptoms and treatment options, to determine the right path forward.”