By Ernst Lamothe, Jr.
Migraines are a significant public health issue resulting in not only immense personal suffering but also substantial economic costs due to lost productivity and healthcare expenses.
They can be debilitating, leading to missed workdays and reduced quality of life. They can also be misunderstood and officials believe in the importance of destigmatizing the condition, fostering understanding and promoting empathy for those who suffer.
“Migraines affect more than one billion people worldwide,” said physician Julie Colvin, St. Joseph’s Health Hospital. “They are often underdiagnosed and undertreated but are, in fact, one of the leading causes of disability, especially for younger people. Migraines can impact work, school, family life and mental health,”
Colvin discusses five aspects of migraines.
1. Migraines Are Treatable
Experts continue to be divided on treatment because much depends on offering acute care which is immediate relief during an attack or preventive options that can reduce its severity. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen help during an attack, while prescription medications, such as triptans or ergotamines, may be more effective for severe cases. Preventive treatments might include medications such as beta-blockers, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants.
In addition, lifestyle modifications are also crucial such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, managing stress through techniques like yoga or meditation, staying hydrated and avoiding known dietary triggers. Others have alternative therapies like acupuncture, biofeedback or cognitive behavioral therapy that may aid in relief for some individuals.
“Over-the-counter pain medications don’t always work,” said Colvin. “The best way to treat migraines: there are acute treatments, preventive measures and procedures to help with the symptoms. Lifestyle factors, including sleep, hydration, a balanced diet, and stress management also play a role in improving the frequency and severity of migraines.”
2. Stay Away From These …
During a migraine, certain stimuli can exacerbate symptoms. Bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells can make the experience more uncomfortable. Additionally, certain foods and beverages can trigger migraines; these can include aged cheeses, processed meats, alcoholic drinks and excessive caffeine. It’s also advisable to avoid dehydration and irregular eating patterns, as missing meals can trigger headaches. Stress and anxiety can heighten migraine severity. So finding effective stress management techniques is beneficial.
“When you have a migraine, it’s best to stay home, avoid bright lights and loud noises and use the migraine medication as soon as possible. It is also essential to keep a diary to understand what triggers your migraines, as they vary among patients,” said Colvin.
3. Understanding Aura Effects
An aura is a set of neurological symptoms that can precede or accompany a migraine. Auras typically manifest 20 to 60 minutes before the headache begins and can last from a few minutes to an hour. While not everyone who experiences migraines has auras, they can be a significant indicator that a migraine is imminent. Common symptoms of auras are flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots and tingling sensations, said Colvin.
4. Migraines and Hormones
Hormones play a crucial role in the onset and frequency of migraines, particularly in women. Fluctuations in estrogen levels, which can occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause, are linked to migraines. Many women report an increase in migraine frequency and intensity in the days leading up to their menstrual period, during ovulation or when beginning or stopping hormonal contraceptives. Consequently, understanding this link may help in developing targeted treatment strategies, such as hormonal therapies or preventative medications.
“Estrogen fluctuations can trigger migraines because the brain has many estrogen receptors, especially in the areas that regulate pain, which is why some women have migraines before their period. Some women also feel their migraine gets better during pregnancy because the estrogen level is stable and high. Hormone changes are also one of the reasons why more women have migraines,” said Colvin.
5. Migraines Are Not ‘Bad Headaches’
One prevalent misconception is that migraines are simply intense headaches. In reality, migraines encompass a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Another misconception remains that only women experience migraines; while they are more common in women, men also suffer from them. Some people mistakenly believe that migraines can be cured with one treatment; however, managing migraines often requires a combination of preventive measures and treatments tailored to the individual.
“One wrong misconception is that they are simply bad headaches. That’s not true. Many people also inaccurately think they only happen to women but, in fact, men and women both suffer from migraines,” said Colvin.