This app helps with migraines and headaches

Migraine app gives sufferers security and can reduce the headache

With a special migraine app, which was developed in collaboration with the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) and the Schmerzklinik Kiel, among other things, the aura symptoms of a migraine can be simulated, which helps sufferers in the classification of their complaints. In addition, users will be given exercise for prevention and the app contains the international headache classification with all 367 headache forms known today, according to the TK.

The functions of the migraine app has been tested by the press officer of the TK in Schleswig-Holstein, Jana Walther, who is also a migraine patient, in the self-test. She was particularly impressed by the possibilities of visualizing the seizure. Recently, the app offers the possibility of a live simulation of the special course of the migraine, which makes the visual impairments comprehensible even for those who are not affected.

Aurasymptoms often cause panic

In migraine suddenly streaks and veils appear from nowhere in front of the eye. Even small flashes can be added. For those affected, such seizures are often extremely frightening, especially if they have not been diagnosed so far. "My first migraine with aura was a strange feeling. This big question mark, what is happening with just one, creates insecurity and panic, "said the TK press officer from her experience.

Every tenth migraine patient has aura symptoms

According to the TK, in every tenth affected migraine begins with a disorder of the central nervous system, which is called an aura. This neurological disorder develops slowly within a few minutes and lasts up to one hour, explains Professor Dr. med. Hartmut Göbel of the pain clinic Kiel in the press release of the TK. At the latest 60 minutes after the auraphase, the strong migraine pain sets in, but sometimes it stays off.

Many sufferers do not know about their migraines

"Some patients complain for years about such auras, without even the slightest suspicion that they have migraines and that many other people have completely identical symptoms"; reports Prof. Göbel. A connection between migraine and such neurological disorders is unaware to many, which is why often no specific therapy is initiated. Possible other aura symptoms include dizziness, speech disorders, tingling and numbness in certain parts of the body or even paralysis or even unconsciousness.

Aurasymptoms are visualized in the app

Thanks to the new migraine app, the aura symptoms can be visualized, helping those affected to classify their symptoms. The app accesses the cell phone camera and shows the current environment. Subsequently, gradually appear at the edge of the field of vision, the typical streaks, veils and zigzag flashes until one third of the field of view is no longer sharply visible. "Just like a real migraine aura," stresses Jana Walther. In the meantime, she knows exactly what happens when streaks suddenly appear in front of the eye. About half an hour later, the severe headache sets in.

Complaints better explainable

The knowledge of the aura brings a certain security for those affected with it and streaks and small flashes should occur suddenly, does not have to be called immediately an emergency doctor, reports the TK. Also, it was often difficult to explain to friends and family, what is happening with just one, but thanks to the live simulation, it is now easy to communicate how those affected experience a migraine with aura, according to the press officer of the TK Schleswig-Holstein.

Migraine app can reduce the headache

According to the Techniker Krankenkasse, a first efficacy study by the Schmerzklinik Kiel has shown "that the app helps users to reduce the headache." The results illustrate the potential of digital solutions. Johann Brunkhorst, Head of the TK-Landesvertretung Schleswig-Holstein. "With this app, patients get a digital tool that helps them deal with their headaches," continues Brunkhorst. For both iOS and Android smartphones, the app is available to all those affected free of charge and Germany is currently being used by more than 100,000 users, reports the TK. (Fp)