This week is Headache Awareness Week, and The Headache Clinic has some advice and information on migraines and sport.
Claims that participating in sporting activities is detrimental for migraine patients are untrue – a new study found that participating in sporting activities actually has health benefits for migraine patients.
A study published in the Sports Neurology Journal ascertains that sporting activities can be safely integrated into the lives of migraine patients. This is the first time empirical research has been done to review known risks involved with participating in sporting activities by migraine patients.
“It was a study that sampled patients with epilepsy, migraines, and multiple sclerosis,” says Dr Shevel, South Africa’s pioneer in the field of migraine surgery and the Medical Director and Founder of The Headache Clinic. Shevel confirmed that for migraine patients, playing sport is not harmful.
Dr Shevel says that migraine patients are often discouraged from participating in sports based on theoretical detrimental effects, when in actual fact they can and should be encouraged to participate in sports provided that the exercise does not trigger the pain. Where exposure to prolonged sun triggers the pain, indoor sports should be pursued.
With sporting activities being part of the academic experience, children that suffer with migraine should take the time with parents and teachers to work out which sporting activities suit them best.
To find out more about how migraines affect your child, call 0861 678 911 or visit www.theheadacheclinic.net.
For more information contact the clinic on 011 – 484 0933 or info@theheadacheclinic.net. Visit www.theheadacheclinic.net or Twitter: @HeadacheClinic or Facebook: www.facebook.com/headacheclinicsa.