Posted by Todd (63.10.27.1) on July 01, 1999 at 17:08:13:
In Reply to: How Does Dr. Goadsby's Research Translate into Treatment? posted by Kathy on July 01, 1999 at 15:14:32:
Much as I understand and relate to your anxiousness, Kathy, it's important for all of us laypeople to think about the research process. Dr. Goadsby had a theory and pursued it, fortunately yielding positive results. His intent to date was purely to determine whether the is a structural difference in our (CH"rs) brains vs. 'normal' folks. He is the first person to identify such a difference. That's phase 1.
I hope that he will continue to receive funding so that he may continue his research and move into the next phase, which I believe should be "Okay, so what exactly does this mean? How does this extra gray matter contribute to CH? And, what, if anything, might we be able to do about it?"
The cause of AIDS (the HIVirus) was identified over a decade ago, and though treatments have been developed that improve quality of life and extend lifespan for AIDS victims, no cure or preventative method has yet been found.
I don't mean to sound negative, but it is important that we keep this in perspective. What is worth celebrating are the facts that: 1-someone is trying! and 2-progress is being made!
As DJ communicates with Dr. Goadsby, perhaps so ways of us contributing (surveys, participation in research, fundraising) may arise. If so, we can extend the pro-active stance this site and OUCH are all about.