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Can chronic migraines and concussions be as debilitating as severe strokes or daily dialysis? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Briar Sexton, a dedicated physician from British Columbia, to dive into the profound impact these invisible conditions have on quality of life. We explore the tough realities of diagnosing and managing chronic migraines, often overlooked due to their daily occurrence. Dr. Sexton shares her expertise on potential triggers, the value of keeping a headache diary, and the crucial need for self-advocacy to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

We also tackle the issue of misdiagnosis, which can lead to unnecessary Anxiety. By delving into the psychological effects like anxiety and Depression that come with chronic pain, we emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis, especially with the new criteria introduced in May 2023. The episode highlights the complex challenges faced by concussion patients, especially those who were once very active, showing how these injuries can lead to broader physical and Mental Health issues.

From practical management tips to medication options, this episode contains actionable advice. Discover the benefits of basic vitamin and mineral supplements, the surprising effectiveness of powdered ginger for acute headaches, and the importance of pinpointing and managing your triggers. We also discuss the critical role of patient advocacy, the barriers to accessing treatment, and the ongoing efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding invisible conditions. 

Takeaways:

• Chronic migraines involve severe, debilitating headaches that can occur daily.
• Keeping a headache diary helps identify and manage triggers.
• Many doctors may lack detailed knowledge about chronic migraines, so self-advocacy and seeking a second opinion from a specialist is crucial.
• Concussions are often overdiagnosed and misdiagnosed, leading to confusion and invalidation. The new diagnostic criteria for concussions aim to provide clearer guidelines.
• Sensitive and empathetic communication is essential when discussing diagnoses and changes with patients.
• Active rehabilitation and Lifestyle changes are important for managing both concussions and migraines.
• Ending the stigma surrounding invisible conditions requires Education and advocacy.

Dr. Briar Sexton – Bio

“I am grateful every day for the opportunity to work as an ophthalmologist. Vision is a precious commodity, and it is a pleasure to work with my patients to protect and care for their eyes. Staying on top of new treatments and maintaining state-of-the-art equipment is another source of pride for me at the clinic. I am active both in attending and teaching at Continuing Education events. Since 2010, I have been actively fundraising for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. The research projects they fund bring hope for a cure for many retinal diseases.”

Dr. Briar Sexton is a licensed and registered physician in British Columbia and is regulated by the College of Physicians

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Tim Reitsma Disability Inclusion Advocate, Founder at Invisible Condition

Tim helps individuals with non-apparent illnesses become better self-advocates through podcasts, articles, mentoring and coaching. He also supports organizations in creating accessible workplaces where everyone feels safe to share through workshops, advising and project work.

Aside from working on Invisible Condition, Tim is a Podcast Host and Advisor with a leading HR and Leadership digital publication and is a Master of Arts in Leadership Student.

With over 15 years of experience in strategy, operations, HR, and content creation, Tim brings a blend of coaching, mentoring, leadership, and process improvement to every organization he partners with.