Myths And Truths About Migraine

Discovering the myths and truths about migraine is the first step to prevent a disorder that is much more than a headache, as it can be accompanied by other annoying symptoms such as photosensitivity, fatigue, sleepiness, vomiting and nausea.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes migraine as a disabling disease, and episodes of headache lasting from 4 to 72 consecutive hours. It is estimated that it affects 15% of the world’s population, being also more frequent among the women. Strong facts and arguments that invite to continue to investigate what provokes the migraine.

Myths About Migraine

Myth 1: Migraine and Headache Are the Same

One of the most widespread myths is that a migraine is simply a more intense headache. In reality, migraines are much more than just head pain. According to the International Headache Society, there are over 150 types of headaches, and not all of them are related to migraines.

A migraine is a specific type of headache that comes with additional symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light (photosensitivity), sound, and sometimes even smell. Moreover, migraines can severely impact daily activities, making them much more disabling than a regular headache.

Myth 2: All Migraine Patients Have the Same Symptoms

Migraines manifest differently in each person. While some individuals may experience a pulsating headache, others might have symptoms such as nausea, irritability, or visual disturbances like flickering lights (aura) before the headache even begins.

Some people might also feel tingling in their limbs, weakness, or even speech difficulties during a migraine attack. Therefore, the variability in symptoms means that each person’s migraine experience is unique, and treatments should be tailored accordingly.

Myth 3: Real Migraines Come With an Aura

Only about 20% of migraine sufferers experience an aura, which can include visual disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots. Many people have migraines without aura. Both types are considered true migraines, and the absence of an aura does not make a migraine any less severe.

Myth 4: Migraine is a Mental Illness

Although migraines can affect mental health and are sometimes associated with anxiety or depression, they are not mental health disorders.

Migraines are a neurological condition caused by complex brain mechanisms, not by psychological factors alone. However, since chronic migraines can take a toll on mental well-being, proper treatment is necessary to manage both physical and emotional health aspects.

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Myth 5: No Medication Can Relieve Migraine

This is incorrect. There are several effective treatments available to manage migraines, including over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs, prescription medications such as triptans, and preventive treatments like beta-blockers and CGRP inhibitors.

In addition, new therapies such as Botox injections and monoclonal antibodies have shown promising results in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.

Myth 6: Eat Chocolate to Avoid Migraine Attacks

Although some migraine sufferers believe chocolate is a trigger, scientific evidence suggests that chocolate itself is not a universal cause of migraines.

In some cases, people may crave chocolate before a migraine attack due to changes in brain chemistry, and the craving is often confused as the cause. However, each individual has different triggers, so identifying personal food triggers through careful observation is important.

Myth 7: Every Light Sensitivity Is a Migraine Trigger

While many people with migraines experience light sensitivity (photophobia) during an attack, it is not always a trigger for everyone.

Some people may experience migraine attacks without light sensitivity as a factor. Since migraine triggers can vary from person to person, it’s essential to track individual triggers and responses to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Myth 8: Only Women Get Migraines

While women are more likely to experience migraines, men can also suffer from this condition. Migraines affect individuals of all genders, although hormonal factors may make migraines more common in women, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.

It is important to recognize that migraines are not exclusive to any gender, and men, women, and even children can experience them.

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Truth About Migraine

Truth 1: Migraine is a Disabling Disease

This is one of the most important truths about migraines. According to the WHO, migraines rank among the top 10 most disabling conditions globally.

Research estimates that around 40% of migraine sufferers experience moderate to severe disability due to their condition, making it difficult for them to perform daily tasks, including work and social activities. This emphasizes the need for greater awareness, diagnosis, and effective treatment strategies.

Truth 2: Self-Medication Increases the Risk of Chronic Migraine

Self-medicating without consulting a healthcare professional can lead to more harm than good. Overusing certain medications, especially pain relievers like NSAIDs, can result in what’s called “medication-overuse headache,” a condition that may transform episodic migraines into chronic migraines.

This form of headache can occur more than 15 days per month, significantly worsening the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical advice to get the proper treatment for migraine.

Truth 3: Food Can Trigger Migraines

Certain foods can indeed trigger migraine attacks in some individuals. Foods containing tyramine (such as aged cheeses), nitrates (found in processed meats), and preservatives, as well as artificial sweeteners, are commonly linked to migraines.

Other known triggers include chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine. On the flip side, adopting a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains may help prevent or reduce the frequency of migraines for some people.

Truth 4: Migraines Can Cause a “Migraine Hangover”

After the intense pain of a migraine subsides, many sufferers experience what is known as a “migraine hangover” or postdrome. This phase can leave a person feeling weak, fatigued, irritable, or even nauseated for several hours to a day after the headache resolves.

Symptoms such as tension in the neck, difficulty concentrating, and stomach upset are common during this phase.

Truth 5: Exercise Can Help Prevent Migraines

Regular physical activity has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing the frequency of migraine attacks. Exercise helps lower stress levels, which is a significant trigger for migraines.

It also promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and enhances circulation and digestion, all of which contribute to reducing the risk of migraines.

However, it’s essential for people with migraines to start with gentle activities, as intense physical exertion can sometimes trigger an attack.

Truth 6: Hormonal Changes Can Influence Migraines

Migraines are more common in women due to hormonal fluctuations, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Many women notice their migraines intensify around their menstrual cycle, known as menstrual migraines.

Truth 7: Overuse of Pain Medications Can Lead to Chronic Migraine

Taking pain relievers too frequently for migraines can lead to medication-overuse headache (MOH), also known as rebound headaches. This can worsen the condition, turning episodic migraines into chronic ones. It’s important to follow a doctor’s recommendations for medication use.

Summary

It’s important for migraine patients and anyone around them to know the facts and myths concerning these headaches. While there is no single cure for migraines, managing the condition through a combination of lifestyle changes, proper medication, and medical consultation can significantly reduce its impact.

Since every person experiences migraines differently, a customized treatment plan that takes into account each patient’s unique symptoms and causes is essential. Increased awareness and education are essential to help those affected lead more productive and fulfilling lives.