About 28 million people in the United States suffer from migraine headaches. A new study shows the cost of treating the condition could add to the pain.

Trial-and-error attempts to treat migraines account for the frustration felt by sufferers, researchers said. That frustration typically leads to more headaches.

Ramsey Enlow (pictured, left), 16, suffers from migraine headaches. He receives intravenous medication once a week along with other treatments. In all, Enlow has 30 to 35 different prescriptions in the family medicine cabinet, his mother said. His treatment cost about $4,000 per year.

"I have more medicine than my grandparents do," Enlow said.

He also has missed a semester of his junior year in high school.

After seeing six doctors and receiving numerous treatments, the Enlows just want Ramsey's live to return to normal.

"It's something a 16-year-old kid shouldn't have to do," he said.

Dr. John Krusz, associate editor of PainJournal.net, the Clinical Journal of Pain for Healthcare Professionals and Patients, said the study underlines the need for more migraine specialists and better prescription insurance.

"It isn't a stretch to get to $4,000 or $5,000 a year," Krusz said.

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For more information on migraines and the cost of treating the condition, go to
On The Net: Migraine Awareness Group or
On The Net: PainJournals.net

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