Help
Most migraine suffers (about 65%) do not consult a physician for headaches and rely on over-the-counter medications for headache relief. Those headache sufferers who do seek help often bounce from physician to physician (an average of four per patient) search for appropriate treatment. They spend an average of $3,711 annually on headache treatment, often on unproven interventions. While HPAM does not endorse any one method of treatment, information and experience are offered that can help on evaluate available options. HPAM’s goal is “patient empowerment,” assisting each other to become active, well informed searchers for solutions and help.

Public and Private Support
HPAM is actively involved in protecting the interests and rights of patients in pain in Michigan and on a national level. In addition, HPAM helps to establish Support Groups throughout the state of Michigan. Contact with other headache patients can build self-esteem, suggest strategies for coping, improve communication with one’s physician, and provide encouragement and advice on headache prevention. The groups meet regularly to share information and experience. Frequently the groups arrange for speakers to come to address topics which the group chooses and represent the goals of the Association. The Support Groups are also a powerful constituency for working with local legislators to increase the awareness of headache as a disorder.

Access
Through educating ourselves and others about headache disorders, we take important steps toward achieving better treatment, both medical and social, for the chronic head pain sufferer. HPAM is committed to providing access to the most up-to-date information regarding treatment for the illness through direct mailings to HPAM members and educational programming.

Regional symposiums are offered each year throughout Michigan to present advances in treatment, current research findings, the impact of headaches on children, use of over-the-counter medications, hormones and headaches, and other current topics.

Membership
HPAM is devoted to offering headache sufferers the opportunity to overcome their sense of isolation and have membership in a supportive community where individuals can help each other and have a greater chance to be headache-free by becoming better informed.