PRESS RELEASE from Bachmann for President

For Immediate Release
July 19, 2011		 Contact: Alice Stewart

Bachmann Responds to Migraine Reports

Aiken, S.C. – Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann has issued the following statement in response to reports of her experiencing migraines:

"Like nearly 30 million other Americans, I experience migraines that are easily controlled with medication. I am a wife, a mother, a lawyer who worked her way through law school, a former state senator who achieved the repeal of a harmful piece of education policy in Minnesota, and a congresswoman who has worked tirelessly fighting against the expansion of government and wasteful spending.

“Since entering the campaign, I have maintained a full schedule between my duties as a congresswoman and as a presidential candidate traveling across the nation to meet with voters in the key, early primary and caucus states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. I have prescription medication that I take whenever symptoms arise and they keep the migraines under control. Let me be abundantly clear - my ability to function effectively has never been impeded by migraines and will not affect my ability to serve as Commander in Chief.

“The many questions I have received on this subject have allowed me to discuss this important condition that impacts individuals in nearly one in four households. However, as a presidential candidate and office holder, I am focused on performing my job, which has never been more important given the state of our economy and the millions of Americans that are out of work. While I appreciate the concern for me and my health, the greater concern should be the debate that is occurring in Washington over whether or not we will increase our debt, spending and taxes."

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TEXT OF LETTER released by Bachmann for President

THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN
Congress of the United States
H-166 U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC  20515-0086

Brian P. Monahan, MD, MACP

July 20, 2011

The Honorable Michele Bachmann
U.S. House of Representatives
103 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC  20515
Re: Medical Information

Dear Congresswoman Bachmann:

The enclosed summary regarding your experience of migraine headaches is provide to you as per your request. You are overall in good general health.

You have a well-established diagnosis of migraine headaches with aura for which you have had an extensive evaluation by both my office and by a board certified consulting neurologist. Your evaluation has entailed detailed labwork and brain scans all of which were normal. Your migraines occur infrequently and have known trigger factors of which you are aware and know how to avoid. When you do have a migraine, you are able to control it with as-needed sumatriptan and odansetron. It has not been necessary for you to take daily scheduled medications to manage this condition. You have not needed medical attention from me regarding your migraines with the use of the above mentioned commonly used therapies.

Sincerely,


                                   Brian P. Monahan, MD, MACP