Myth #1: Migraine is just a headache.
Truth: Migraine, by definition, is a complex neurological disorder with many symptoms, the predominant one being a moderate-severe intensity headache. It is the 2nd leading cause of disability worldwide.
Each migraine attack has several phases: The prodrome, the aura, the headache phase, and the postdrome. An entire episode may last several days. The prodrome can cause frequent urination and yawning, fatigue, light sensitivity, and dizziness. The aura can cause temporary vision loss, numbness, or trouble speaking. In addition to a severe and often pounding headache, the headache phase is often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. The postdrome is often characterized by fatigue and cognitive dysfunction - often referred to as “brain fog.”
Finally, there is another recognized phase called the inter-ictal period, which occurs at other times beyond a migraine episode. That is, many migraine sufferers can experience dizziness, brain fog, and sensitivity to light and sound, even without a headache.
Myth #2: Migraine is not a serious condition.
Truth: While the absolute risk increase is small, people with migraine do have an elevated risk of stroke compared to people without migraine. This risk further increases in those with migraine aura. Migraine is most prevalent among young women, and this population is commonly exposed to other common stroke risk factors such as estrogen-containing contraceptives and pregnancy, thereby compounding the stroke risk. Pregnant women with migraine are also at higher risk of heart attack, preeclampsia, and pulmonary embolism.
Myth #3: Migraine only affects women.
Truth: While migraine is most prevalent among young women, it affects both men and women and continues to affect people throughout their lives. Migraines affects women three times more commonly than men, and since it is estimated that 1 billion people in the world suffer from migraine, that’s 250 million men in the world with migraine.
Myth #4: Migraine is just due to stress.
Truth: While it is true stress is a common trigger for migraine attacks (there are many known triggers such as weather changes, alcohol, and sleep deprivation), it is not the underlying cause for migraine. The precise cause of migraine is not known, but there is evidence that there are many contributing factors including genetics, hormones, and environmental factors such as adverse childhood experiences. The underlying mechanisms of a migraine attack is complex and incompletely understood, involving activation of the trigeminovascular system, increased neuronal hyperexcitability, and alterations of neurotransmitters. Research has discovered novel proteins involved in the migraine pain pathways, such as CGRP, which has led to new therapeutic options for migraine patients. Research is continuing to occur, and exciting new developments are just down the pipeline.
- Neurologist and Co-Founder of NeuroNaturals