Have you ever felt a monstrous headache pain that is associated with light and sound sensitivity, often times nausea and vomiting? No, I'm not talking about a hangover; I'm talking about a migraine. Only 12% of people suffer from migraines and if you are in that population, you know how terrible and debilitating this "headache" can really be.
Migraines are NOT just bad headaches and it is extremely frustrating when people think the words are interchangeable. Migraines begin due to hyperactive nerve cells sending out impulses to clamp down and then open back up, releasing prostaglandins, serotonin and other inflammatory substances which cause this to be painful. Beyond that, there are other neurological symptoms at play. Most migraines are only an intense throbbing on one side of the head and accompanied by one or more of the following: visual disturbances (sometimes blindness), nausea, vomiting,dizziness, extreme sensitivity to sound, light, touch and smell, and tingling or numbness in the extremities or face. It is also important to recognize that some migraines only come with the other symptoms and no pain. Average attacks can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. Those who suffer from chronic migraines, have 15 migraine days a month for at least six months.
Migraines are the 8th most disabling illness in the world according to The World Health Organization. More than 90% of sufferers are not able to work or function normal during their migraines. Migraine sufferers are at higher risk to experience depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, other pain conditions and fatigue and those who experience an aura (vision disturbances) are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
There is no cure for migraines, however, there are several treatment options. There are preventative medications which are aimed to reduce frequency in migraines. Other options are rescue mediations, both over the counter and prescription, which are options for when a migraine is occurring. These medications don't always work and come with high side effects. Some people prefer to try alternative forms of medicine like acupuncture, and now that it is becoming legal, medicinal marijuana.
Suffering from chronic migraines has been an obstacle for the last 10 years. I am on three different preventative prescriptions, which make me fatigued, slow my cognitive functioning, and make it harder for me to concentrate; as well as, still getting crazing migraines. Last fall, I had to take a medical withdraw for the semester because I could not make it to my classes or do nearly anything else.
People often wonder why I sleep so much, why I take so many pills, or why I wasn't in class. Well, this is why. I had a migraine. The light coming through my blinds and the sound of my fan wanted to make me cry. I have to avoid Chinese food and nuts. I need to make sure I am properly hydrated at all times. I take the pills to keep my brain functioning normally. I am also tired because I am basically fighting against my brain to do what it wants to do naturally.
Having migraines is the worst. It is something that not everyone understands. It is a silent pain, unless you have experienced it, you'll never quite know what we have experienced.
