Six Facts about Migraines
Migraine sufferers are sometimes misunderstood with respect
to their ailment. The general belief is that all migraines only
refer to severe headaches.
That's just one of the many misconceptions that make the
rounds about the debilitating condition. Let's shed a bit more
light on the circumstances surrounding migraines. Here are six
important facts.
- Migraines and headaches not necessarily the same.
Migraines occur with symptomatic pain that may affect other
parts of the body as well as the head. There is also the
possibility of muscle interference in your extremities,
headaches and severe gastrointestinal upset.
- The degree of migraine symptoms varies. It's impossible
to predict them. In some cases a migraine attack may be a
debilitating affair that puts the sufferer out of action
for between 1 and three days. Sometimes symptoms are so
benign that they do not affect the patient's daily
routines. It is impossible to predict each migraine
attack's severity.
- Migraines are not indicative of a high IQ. It's an old
myth that only creative geniuses, or high IQ scoring
individuals would fall victim to migraines. This is simply
not true. Migraines, a neurological disorder, may and do
affect anyone.
- There is no cut-off age. It was once thought that at
the age of 40 those destined to suffer from migraines would
start getting them. This again is not true. Migraines have
been reported in children as young as five. There are also
lots of teenagers who suffer from migraine headaches. It is
true for some sufferers that the pains get worse over the
age of 40.
- It seems that mood changes can also be part of the
migraines. With severe pain that accompanies the migraines,
mood changes may be noticed a few days before the actual
migraine starts. The body almost appears to be readying
itself. Some sufferers can actually tell when a migraine is
coming on, others are not so fortunate. The only sign might
be when their loved ones notice a change in mood and
attitude.
- Migraines cannot be stopped. There is as yet, no magic
pill for a sufferer to take. Perhaps the most misunderstood
concept is the migraine headache. It does not respond like
other headaches to over the counter medicines. That means
the patient usually has little choice, but to suffer the
pain and wait for it to go naturally. Although there are
some over the coutner medications to aid with symptoms, it
is generally not possible to stop an actual migraine in its
tracks.
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