Anyone who has ever had to deal with migraines knows that they are far more than just ‘bad headaches.’ The intense pain, nausea, light sensitivity, and neurological episodes can interfere with your everyday life. Furthermore, it is quite challenging for people who haven’t experienced it firsthand to understand, making it a solitary experience for those who are dealing with it. Loved ones of migraine patients want to support them, but without a proper understanding of the disease, it is not easy to do so.
As a result, they often end up saying the wrong thing or unintentionally minimizing the experience, creating misunderstanding and frustration. Support from your loved ones while dealing with migraine requires a combination of awareness and empathy, so you don’t feel lonely when in pain. So here are a few things those around migraine patients should know to understand it better and offer support through better communication.
Why Is Understanding Migraine Important?
Migraine is a severe neurological condition that causes intense headaches, nausea, and light sensitivity, which are sometimes combined with mood disorders. It is a common condition that affects more than a billion people worldwide. The unpredictability and severe intensity of migraine episodes make it very hard to deal with for people suffering from this. From academic performance to work and social connections, migraine impacts various aspects of everyday life.
However, the lucky ones who have not experienced these issues may find it difficult sometimes to understand it fully and brush it off as just ‘headaches.’ A better understanding of migraines helps to deal better with the immediate episode and its long-term implications. Informed friends and family can also help with detecting triggers, facilitating efficient care, and providing sympathetic support for managing this illness.
1- It’s Not Just Headaches
Perhaps the biggest hindrance in understanding migraines is the use of the word ‘headaches.’ Due to the common use of the word, “headache” often sounds like it’s not a serious problem. Many people assume that, just like common headaches, which are caused by fatigue or sleep deprivation, migraines are also not that severe. But this is far from the truth. Migraines are actually a complex neurological condition caused by hypersensitiveness in the brain. A headache is just one of the symptoms of a migraine episode. Usually, it is not the same as a typical headache, which can affect your entire head. Migraine headaches can also feel like this, but they are usually one-sided and throbbing rather than tight or pressure-related. In most cases, migraines are far more severe than regular headaches.
2-Migraine Mood Swings Are Real
Due to the lack of understanding about migraine, loved ones of the patient can sometimes think that they are just being moody. In fact, mood swings could be one of the symptoms of a migraine. Someone may appear more agitated, flat, nervous, irritated, or emotional during an attack. This does not reflect their normal mood or attitude. It could be due to the neurotransmitter changes and neuroinflammation that occur during migraine. Many people who suffer from migraines struggle to learn to keep their relationships and work without being impacted by these mood swings. Sometimes this means sitting quietly, taking some rest, or simply alerting folks that you’re not feeling well.
3- Different People Have Different Triggers
Generalization of migraine patients sometimes leads to a misunderstanding about migraine. It may sound confusing, but it is true that different people’s migraines are triggered by different things. From sleep deprivation and dehydration to loud noises, strong odors, or even certain foods, various things can trigger migraine attacks. Apart from these, hormonal fluctuations and environmental stimuli can also play a role in triggering migraine. What makes it more confusing is that these triggers are not consistent even in the same person. A loved one suffering from migraine may not always feel the same. Sometimes it is okay for them to sleep late, or tolerate loud music, and be okay, while other times it can trigger their migraine. It is not a convenience, not an excuse; it is a disease and should be treated as such.
4- Popping a Pill Is Not Always a Solution
The idea that taking painkillers would make you feel better right away is another widespread misunderstanding. For many people who suffer from migraine, traditional treatments for pain often don’t suffice, and specific migraine medications might be required. Self-care techniques like avoiding triggers might lessen the frequency of migraine attacks. Nonetheless, it could take a migraine sufferer months or even years to figure out the best way to manage their particular attacks. Different people respond differently to different treatments, drugs, and lifestyle changes.
5- It Doesn’t Always Go Away In A Couple Of Hours
The most common and perhaps the most frustrating thing people hear while dealing with migraine episodes is ‘chill, it’ll go away in a couple of hours.’ It is not only frustrating but also untrue. In truth, migraine episodes differ in terms of duration. While the headache phase might last anywhere from a few hours to three days, the other symptoms can appear before or after it. Among other things, this could include feeling exhausted, having mood swings, and having digestive issues. Some patients also exhibit other symptoms between episodes. This makes migraines a continuous issue rather than an episodic affair.
6- Children Can Have Migraines Too
It is a common misconception that migraine only occurs in adults. This is exactly that, a misconception. Although migraine is usually more common in adults, children can also suffer from it. Particularly if one or both of their parents suffer from migraines, children may experience severe migraine headache pain. However, symptoms in kids could differ from those in adults. For instance, they may experience constant, non-throbbing pain on both sides of their head, frequently above their eyes. Light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting are typical in children. They might also have lightheadedness or dizziness, blurred vision, and trouble focusing.
FAQs
1- Are Migraines Just Headaches?
No. Headaches are just symptoms. Migraine is a neurological disorder that can have various symptoms like nausea, mood swings, light sensitivity, etc.
2- How is a migraine different from a regular headache?
Contrary to ordinary headaches, migraines are usually throbbing and one-sided and can linger for hours or days.
3- Why do people with migraine often have mood swings?
During the pre-headache stage of a migraine, mood swings are frequently a physiologic symptom of the migraine process. They result from alterations in the chemicals in the brain.
4- Can children get migraines?
Yes, migraines may occur in kids as well. But some symptoms in children are different from those in adults.
5- Are painkillers effective against migraine?
Not always. Many individuals with migraines may need specific medications and lifestyle adjustments. Painkillers alone are often insufficient to treat migraine pain.
(The article is written by Ehsan Siddiqui, Team Lead, Clinical Health & Content and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)
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