Migraines are a silent epidemic affecting millions worldwide, and for Erik Thomas, his battle with migraines caused severe debilitation. Erik’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the power of effective medical intervention. We will take you through Erik’s battle with migraines, his encounter with The Will Erwin Headache Research Foundation, and how Dr. Mark J. Burish helped him reclaim his life. Whether you are a chronic pain sufferer, part of the medical community, or interested in contributing, read on to discover a tale that might inspire you to take action.
Erik’s Early Struggles with Migraines
Erik first began experiencing migraines in the 8th grade. His mother, grandmother, and great-grandfather had also suffered from migraines, making this a familiar yet distressing issue for his family. Initially, Erik’s migraines were sporadic, but they were severe enough to disrupt his daily activities.
The Worsening Condition
In 2021, Erik’s migraines picked up in both frequency and severity. What were once occasional disruptions turned into regular, agonizing episodes.
Again, in 2023, Erik’s condition worsened. His migraines were so severe that they often left him nauseated, forcing him to lie down in a dark, silent room for hours. They even lasted through the next day, presenting as dull head pain. It was during this challenging period that Erik’s path crossed with Jimmy Erwin, the president of The Will Erwin Headache Research Foundation.
Erik met Jimmy Erwin many years before through his career in commercial real estate lending. Their professional relationship turned personal when Erik attended The Will golf tournament, in October of 2023, an annual event hosted to benefit The Foundation. During the tournament, Erik heard Dr. Mark J. Burish speak about the groundbreaking research and treatment options they were working on at The Will Erwin Headache Research Center in the Medical Center in Houston, Texas.
Inspired by Dr. Burish’s talk, Erik reached out to Jimmy in hopes of finding a solution to his debilitating migraines. To Erik’s delight, Jimmy personally contacted Dr. Burish to help him get an appointment scheduled and make introductions.
The Diagnosis
Erik was thrilled to finally meet Dr. Burish, who provided a formal diagnosis for his migraines. This diagnosis was a turning point for Erik, offering him relief in knowing the cause of his pain and the available treatment options.
Treatment Begins
Dr. Burish prescribed pain relief medication that significantly reduced the duration and severity of Erik’s migraines. What used to be all-day events now lasted as little as 30 minutes. Alongside the medication, Erik started a regimen of B vitamins and regular exercise, as instructed by Dr. Burish.
The results were outstanding. Erik has not had a migraine in the last three months. The added benefit of anxiety relief from having access to effective pain relief medication has also reduced his stress levels, contributing to his overall well-being.
It is important to note that not all cases are the same and if you are suffering from migraines you should speak to your medical professional to find what treatment options work best for you.
Understanding Migraine Auras
One of the most challenging aspects of Erik’s migraines was the aura that preceded them. These auras manifested as a round kaleidoscope with different colors starting from the bottom right of his vision. They impaired his vision, making it extremely challenging see, read, or drive properly.
The auras were an indicator of the excruciating pain that was to follow. Without the pain relief medication, Erik would need to isolate himself in a dark, quiet room to manage the pain. Thanks to Dr. Burish’s treatment plan, Erik no longer lives in fear of these auras and the migraines that followed.
The Importance of Awareness
Erik’s story comes at a crucial time—Migraine Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the struggles faced by people with chronic headache disorders, including migraines. It is also an opportunity to highlight how widespread this issue is and to assure sufferers that help is available.
If you are a chronic pain sufferer, this story is a beacon of hope. There are effective treatments available, and there are compassionate professionals like Dr. Burish who are committed to helping patients like you. Don’t lose hope; reach out for help and explore the options available to you.
The Will Erwin Headache Research Foundation has been instrumental in Erik’s journey to recovery. The Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness for the struggles faced by people with chronic headache disorders, such as migraines and cluster headaches, and to fund research to find a cure.
Consider supporting organizations that are making a difference in the field of headache research. Together, we can provide the support needed to combat chronic pain conditions.
To learn more about how you can get involved please visit our donations page, or to find more information about The Will Erwin Headache Research Center click here.