Migraine is a debilitating, neurological condition that affects millions of people and can negatively impact one’s quality of life and daily functioning. Due to the common occurrence of migraine, there is a plethora of information out there to help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment, and how to cope. This information, however, can be quite misleading and downright false. Let’s review five common migraine myths and what the truth really is.
NOTE: I get migraines.. and they suck, royally. I see on my facebook page often, people just like me who suffer from migraines and we have a support system – we know how it is! due to that fact, Satlyvixenstories.com is adding a health section about migraines on the page (with health sources)
Myth #1 “Only women get migraines.“
Fact:Â Men get migraines too, although they are more common in women. Approximately 18% of women in American suffer from migraines compared to 6% of men.Â
Myth #2 “If I have migraines than so will my children.“
Fact:Â While there is a strong genetic basis to the development of migraines, it does not necessarily mean your children will have migraines if you do.
Likewise, just because you have a family history of migraines, does not mean you will develop migraines.
Another way to think about it is that just because you do NOT have a family history of migraines does not mean you will NOT have migraines yourself. You can read more about the genetics of migraines in Are Headaches Inherited?
Myth #3 “If you do not see flashing lights than you are not having a migraine.“
Fact: You do not need to have an aura to have a migraine. In fact, only about one-third of migraineurs have an aura. Remember, auras typically consist of visual, sensory, and/or language disturbances that are reversible. An aura, according to the second edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-II), only lasts up to one hour. In addition, at least one of the aura symptoms must develop gradually over a period of 5 minutes or more. (i.e. not a sudden onset).
Myth #4Â “Migraines during a women’s menstrual cycle are in her head.”
Fact:Â Headaches during your menstrual cycle could very well be migraines.
They are not “in your head” or related to depression/mood changes, as your spouse or friends may postulate.
This goes back to the fact that while migraines occur in men, they are more common in women. Why are migraines more common in adult women than adult men? Well, this is likely due to the influence of the hormones estrogen and progesterone on migraine occurrence, frequency, and severity. For instance, migraine frequency increases immediately before or during a women’s menstrual cycle (menstrual migraines), when her estrogen levels have decreased. On the other hand, many women experience relief of their migraines during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, a high estrogen state.
An effective way to diagnose menstrual migraines is by maintaining a thorough headache diary, paying particular attention to record both headache symptoms, as well as the start and stop of your menstrual cycle. In addition, it is important to inform your doctor of any form of oral contraceptive or hormone replacement therapy you are on, as this may also be affecting your migraine patterns.
Myth #5 “If you suffer from migraine, you are out of luck. There is really no good treatment.”
Fact: This is absolutely not true. There are lots of therapies out there for migraineurs. That being said, it can be a tedious process to find the therapy that works for you, and it is often a combination of treatments that helps. Getting a proper diagnosis and maintaining a detailed headache diary to help identify triggers are key to understanding your migraines. Then, seeing your doctor regularly and discussing/trying out various preventive and abortive migraine medications are the next steps. Often, it is the combination of behavioral and pharmacologic means that helps one gain control of their migraines. Alternative migraine therapies can also be helpful.
Take Home Message
If you suffer from migraines, be proactive in your healthcare. Seek out truthful information sources and always speak with your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions you have. Most migraines can be treated and/or prevented effectively. But you must advocate for yourself and your health.
Sources:
Brandes, Jan Lewis. Migraine in Women. Headache. August;18(4):835-852.
.DISCLAIMER: The information in this site is for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your doctor for advice, diagnosis, and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
