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Migraine is a neurological disease that has remained rather ambiguous with social prejudices associated with it. It’s episodic, meaning migraines come and go, but the underlying condition is chronic. While most people simply consider migraines to be a severe headache, most people who suffer from them know that it is so much more than that. It’s high time to demystify some misconceptions about migraines and explore what is true.
8 Popular Migraine Myths Debunked
Myth 1: Migraine Attacks Are Just Really Chronic Headache
Fact: Migraine is more than just a throbbing headache; it is a condition with several manifestations that impact individuals. Some of these can be sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, digestive disorders, and dizziness. Some individuals are told that they suffer from a so-called ‘silent migraine,’ which implies that they endure these signs and symptoms but then do not get the headache itself. It is essential to recognise the wide range of manifestations of migraines since it allows for the identification of the main features that will help in diagnosis and therapy by a top neurologist.
Myth 2: It’s All in Your Head
Fact: Even if stress is a major cause of migraine occurrence, it does not mean that migraine is a psychological condition. Migraine is a multifactorial disorder that results from genetic and chemical modifications in the brain structure that make it more sensitive to activators such as tension. It is also worth knowing that those who suffer from migraines are inclined to develop anxiety or depression as well.
Myth 3: It’s Not a True Migraine if It Doesn’t Start with an Aura
Fact: Migraine aura presents as a neurological symptom before the start of the headache, which may include visual changes, difficulty in speaking, tingling sensation, or muscle weakness. However, only one-third of individuals with migraine experience an aura, and not each episode is associated with it. Migraine headaches are classified as migraines with aura and migraines without aura, and the lack of aura does not affect the intensity of the migraine.
Myth 4: A Migraine Attack Only Lasts a Couple of Hours
Fact: Migraine attacks may also differ as to the time they last. While the headache phase may range from a few hours up to three days, the other symptoms may occur before and after the headache phase. This may range from experiencing tiredness, changes in mood, and stomach problems, among others. Some patients also experience certain signs in between attacks. This makes migraines a constant challenge rather than an episodic event.
Myth 5: Any Doctor Can Recognise and Treat Migraine
Fact: Despite being a common disorder, the diagnosis and treatment of migraine are not always accurate and comprehensive. According to a survey carried out in 2020, less than 20% of migraine patients had received an accurate diagnosis, and only a few received appropriate care. Migraine specialists are more capable of rendering improved management of migraine and their respective therapies, thus stressing the need to consult a specialist if general treatments do not work.
Myth 6: Migraine Only Affects Women
Fact: During adolescence, women become much more likely to develop migraine than men. By age 35, migraine becomes three times more prevalent in women than in men. But it can affect people of all sexes and genders, with nearly 1 in 13 men experiencing migraine headaches. There is limited data on migraines in the transgender population. Whatever available information we have at our disposal suggests similar rates between cis- and transgender women. Transgender men experience migraines less frequently.
Myth 7: A Special Diet Can Cure Migraine
Fact: There is no specific diet one can take that would cure migraines, although some dietary changes are known to help prevent migraines by avoiding potential triggers. Most elimination diets have little to no scientific backing or supporting data and can result in nutrient deficiencies. Prevention involves diet; diets rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fats may help prevent but are not remedies for the diseases; supplements such as riboflavin, COQ10, and magnesium may also help.
Myth 8: More Migraine Medication Will Provide Better Relief
Fact: Excessive use of migraine medications also causes worsening of the symptoms and leads to medication overuse headaches. This paradoxical effect is more evident with opioids and triptans. Hence, people need to self-monitor their intake and consult a healthcare service provider to evaluate their current care plan. Instead of fortifying doses, they can prescribe complementary therapies or ways to reduce the risk of developing a condition.
Consult our neurology hospital in Malleshwaram if you need migraine remedies.
Conclusion
Understanding migraines goes beyond recognising them as severe headaches. By debunking these myths, we gain a clearer picture of how multifaceted and challenging migraines can be.
For proper diagnosis and targeted treatment for different types of migraines, book your appointment with our experienced neurologist at Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore.
FAQ's
Lifestyle changes, such as stress management and avoiding triggers, can help manage migraines. But they do not cure them. Effective management often involves a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and medical care.
Yes, genetics play a significant role in migraines. If you have a family history of migraines, you are more likely to experience them yourself.
If your treatment isn’t effective, consult a migraine specialist. They can offer a comprehensive evaluation and suggest alternative therapies or adjust your current treatment plan for better management.
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