While researching various topics for the month of June, I was surprised
to read some of the information available at MigraineCanada.org.
Migraines can be experienced by anyone; not only adults. They affect 6-8% of men, 15-18% of
women, 10% of 5 –15-year-olds, and 28% of 16 –19-year-olds (reference: HealthChildren.org).
Facts and myths:
A migraine is not just a bad headache. It is a neurological disease with genetic components
and electrical and neurochemical mechanisms
All migraines are not the same. Some begin quite suddenly. Some may involve double vision,
confusion, speech issues, etc. Some cause weight loss or a fever. Others worsen over several
days, with exertion, coughing or lying down.
A migraine is not untreatable. Medication and/or life style changes help individuals manage
migraines.
Migraines are not just annoying. The impact on quality of life can be serious. The World
Health Organization lists a migraine attack as severely disabling and the #1 cause of disability in
adults.
Migraines do not always get better with medication. Medications for migraines can worsen
the symptoms if taken too often. Some medications can cause rebound headaches.
Migraines are not hard to treat. New causes and treatments are being discovered. People
will respond to treatments differently and it may take time for some individuals to find a
treatment that works for them.
What can be done to manage a migraine?
Stress is a trigger for migraines. Practicing relaxation regularly can help to manage a person’s
stress load. Relaxation decreases the heart rate and blood pressure, slows breathing, and
decreases muscle tension. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and walking in nature can be
helpful.
Pacing is an effective way to maintain functional independence without increasing the intensity
of a migraine. It involves setting a schedule, prioritizing tasks, including breaks, nutritious
snacks/meals, and building in buffer time to allow for interruptions, etc.
Migraine sufferers might look into possible food triggers. It’s recommended that only what has
been consumed 12 hours prior to the onset of a migraine, be considered as a possible trigger.
Not every food trigger affects every migraine sufferer. Dehydration and skipping meals
(including not eating within an hour of waking up) should also be considered as triggers.
