Migraine sufferers often find it difficult to describe the pain they are experiencing. You can often hear the phrase “my head is throbbing” in people suffering from migraine. Typically developing on one side of the head, these excruciating headaches gradually increase over a few hours or days.
People can get migraines for a variety of reasons, triggered by things like stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, strict diets, or sleep problems. Migraine sufferers may experience sensitivity to light or smell, nausea and even difficulty walking and speaking.
According to health counselor Parvinder Sagoo, speaking at Migraine Awareness Week September 5-11, there are some common myths about migraines to know.
TRUE KNOWN FAULTS ABOUT MIGRAINE
FALSE: MIGRAINE IS JUST A BAD HEADACHE
Parvinder Sagoo explains that a migraine can be much more severe than a headache with several different triggers, symptoms, and causes. Sagoo explained: “The myth that migraine is the same thing as a headache is really detrimental, especially for those who suffer from migraines regularly and understand how painful it can be.” He added that while headaches are usually short-lived and easier to treat, migraines can last for hours or even days.
MYTH: MIGRAINE AFFECTS WOMEN ONLY
While it is true that women are three times more likely to have migraines, this does not mean that men do not suffer from migraines, too. Sagoo said it has become a widely believed misconception as women who suffer from migraines are more commonly known.
FALSE: MIGRAINES ONLY LAST A FEW HOURS
Unlike headaches, which typically only last a few hours, migraines can last from four to 72 hours if medication is not taken. “Even with treatment, migraine may take some time to subside, and you may still suffer from some symptoms even when most of the pain is gone,” Sagoo says.
FALSE: CAUSES Caffeine Migraines
Consuming caffeine can cause some dehydration, as caffeine has mild diuretic effects. As a result, many people believe that caffeine causes migraines. However, this is mostly not true. Parvinder Sagoo said some research has even shown that caffeine can help with migraine symptoms. “Caffeine can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling in the brain that causes pain, which means it can work as a quick relief for severe migraine symptoms.”
FALSE: NO MEDICINE CAN TREAT MIGRAINE
The most effective way to treat migraine is with appropriate drug therapy. Sagoo: “If you have migraines, you should talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.”