Migraine headaches are common for many people all over the world. But do you recognize what kind of headache you're talking about? What may have caused this headache? And, most importantly, how can you alleviate the pain? It is essential to learn more about this frequent condition before reaching for the Ibuprofen.
However, migraine headaches are surrounded by numerous myths and misconceptions that can interfere with the proper understanding and management of this issue. In this article, we have gathered six myths about migraines that should be addressed ASAP.
1. All headaches are migraine
While the term "headache" may appear to be a catch-all umbrella phrase, there are several types of headaches. There is an international categorization scheme for headache disorders that doctors may use to quantify headache pain, and the American Migraine Foundation produced its own guide to help migraine sufferers understand what form of headache they may be having. Migraine differs from headaches in terms of duration, intensity, and concomitant symptoms.
2. OTC painkillers can easily cope with migraine headache
Over-the-counter medications can occasionally relieve symptoms and be used for minor episodes, but they do not meet the needs of many people who have moderate or severe migraine attacks. Another common misunderstanding is that taking more medication is a good solution. Taking extra medicine to treat your headache is not a smart idea, and it might aggravate your migraine.
3. Migraines aren’t serious
Many migraine sufferers have decreased productivity at work as well as disruptions in their family, social, and leisure time. It's also worth mentioning that not all migraines are created equal. Hemiplegic migraine is a kind of migraine that is hereditary, linked with neurological symptoms, aura signs preceding the migraine, and can lead to stroke.
However, hemiplegic migraine, which produces considerable weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, is uncommon, affecting less than 0.1 percent of the population. In most situations, the paralysis resolves within hours or days. However, it might take up to four weeks in exceptional circumstances. However, in extremely rare circumstances, hemiplegic migraine might result in permanent paralysis.
4. Only an imaging exam can define the cause of migraine
A migraine may be diagnosed with just history and a physical exam. There are no laboratory or imaging studies that can confirm the presence of a migraine. You just need to consult with your healthcare provider. They may recommend you to a migraine expert for a diagnosis in some situations. It is essential that you schedule a particular consultation with your healthcare provider to discuss your headaches and choose appropriate migraine treatment options.
5. Migraines only affect one side of the head
Migraines can be one-sided or affect the entire head, the back of the head or neck, and sometimes even the face. Almost half of the migraine sufferers don't vomit after every episode, and the majority of migraine patients don't experience any aura (visual or sensory symptoms caused by migraine). Aura occurs in just a small percentage of migraine patients and only during a few episodes of headache.
6. Caffeine is the number 1 cause of migraines
Caffeine and migraine have a tricky relationship. Caffeine, on the other hand, is a component in certain over-the-counter headache treatments. Scientists aren't sure why it works, but one theory is that caffeine constricts your blood vessels to counteract the increased blood flow to your brain that occurs during an attack.
Caffeine use in excess (three or more cups of coffee per day) may, on the other hand, raise your odds of having an attack. Because your brain might acquire a tolerance for coffee, you may find yourself wanting more of it over time, increasing your risk of an attack. However, because caffeine withdrawal is a recognized headache trigger, taking a day off is also dangerous.
I am Amelia Grant, journalist, and blogger. I think that information is a great force that is able to change people’s lives for the better. That is why I feel a strong intention to share useful and important things about health self-care, wellness and other advice that may be helpful for people. Being an enthusiast of a healthy lifestyle that keeps improving my life, I wish the same for everyone.
Our attention to ourselves, to our daily routine and habits, is very important. Things that may seem insignificant, are pieces of a big puzzle called life. I want to encourage people to be more attentive to their well-being, improve every little item of it and become healthier, happier, stronger. All of us deserve that. And I really hope that my work helps to make the world better.