Facts about migraine

Others who have never experienced a migraine may fall victim to misconceptions about this condition. Verifying information is always recommended, especially if it concerns your health and well-being. So here are eight (8) migraine facts that you might find helpful.

#1. Migraine is a neurological condition

Migraine is beyond headaches. It can stem from a condition involving your nerves, spine, and brain.

#2. Migraine brings pounding or throbbing head pain

It’s common for patients seeking migraine relief in Decatur to complain about head pain. Unfortunately, this condition is one of the leading sources of headaches. Sadly, the pain can range from moderate to severe and vary from pounding or throbbing headache.

#3. Some migraines don’t have a headache as a symptom

This is usually called silent migraines, but it doesn’t mean that the accompanying symptoms are less debilitating. In addition, you may experience other symptoms, such as dizziness or balance issues, visual disturbances, or a stiff or sore neck.

#4. Migraines Come with many symptoms

This condition can come with a host of symptoms apart from head pain. For example, some patients report nausea and vomiting made worse by movements. You may also experience sensory sensitivity, including lights, sounds, smells, touches, or a combination of all of these. Some may also experience trouble speaking, numbness, cognitive issues, neck pain, and vertigo.

#5. Migraine may involve an aura

About 30 percent of patients may experience migraine with aura, which involves a series of visual symptoms. An aura is a short neurological syndrome that can slowly develop and stop as soon as it begins. These visual symptoms may include zigzag lines, flashing lights, and blind spots. An aura may happen even without a headache and can take place one hour before the intense migraine episode.

#6. Migraine often affects one side of the head

It’s not uncommon for migraine patients to experience head pain, mostly on one side of the head. This happens to the majority of people with migraine. However, it can also bring pain on both sides of the head. In addition, some patients feel pain in their face and neck.

#7. Migraines can have early signs

Some migraine patients can experience early warning signs wherein they experience other neurological symptoms hours, or sometimes days, before an episode. This is usually called a prodrome, and symptoms may include the following:

• Concentration problems
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Food cravings
• Frequent urination
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Neck pain
• Sensory sensitivities
• Yawning

#8. Migraine episodes can last from hours to days

Your migraine episode can last about four hours to several days. However, if there is a prodrome and aura, it can last longer. This is commonly called a migraine hangover and may include concentration and cognitive issues, fatigue, and even depression.

Myths about migraine

Recognizing lies or myths is an excellent first step to help you achieve lasting migraine relief in Decatur. Continuously believing in false or confusing information can hinder your ability to get proper care. Therefore, by being aware and letting go of these things, you open yourself up to better options to successfully cope with migraine symptoms. Below are some known misconceptions about migraines that we must debunk.

#1. Migraine is a psychological disorder

As we mentioned in migraine facts, this condition is a neurological disorder, and it’s not “just in the head.” The pain and discomfort are significantly debilitating, and the whole body is involved. A migraine episode can enlarge your brain’s blood vessels, leading to intense pain. Depending on the severity of your condition, it can affect you on one side or both sides of the head, and you may experience bouts of vomiting and sensory sensitivity.

#2. Migraines do not affect your work or social life

Unfortunately, there is no truth to this statement, as your overall quality of life can be affected, including your work and social life. There can be significant life events that you can miss or not be fully present for because of an episode. In addition, due to debilitating symptoms, your overall productivity can also be affected.

Sensory sensitivities accompanying migraine may prompt you to isolate yourself from everyone and stay in a dark room until the migraine episode takes its course. However, educating your family and friends about your health condition can avoid tension with them and make them more aware of the severity of your condition. They may even be available to help if needed.

#3. Migraines are just extreme headaches

No, migraine is not synonymous with extreme headaches, but this condition can bring bouts of severe head pain, among other symptoms. In addition, this neurological condition affects your whole body and not just the head, and symptoms can last far longer than headaches.

#4. There is no way to achieve migraine relief

This is entirely false. There are several migraine relief options available and accessible to patients. These may include medication, diet changes, stress management, lifestyle improvements, or chiropractic care.

Visit Chiropractic for Everybody to Enjoy Lasting Migraine Relief in Decatur

You may be surprised how gentle chiropractic adjustments in your spine can help ease your migraine symptoms. Dr. Stephanie O’Brien has been helping migraine patients cope better and find relief through Specific chiropractic care.

The gentle adjustments can help reduce the interference or irritation on your nerves caused by misalignments. Unfortunately, these misalignments may be the culprit for the onset of your debilitating migraine symptoms. But you don’t have to endure them any longer, and you can live a healthier and more fulfilling life.

To get started with your chiropractic care, book your appointment online or call 404-370-8050. On the day of your visit, Dr. O’Brien will first chat with you to learn more about your health history and main concerns. She may also require an X-ray image of your spine to better analyze your condition before planning your adjustments. This is to ensure the adjustments you’re getting best suit your needs. Please don’t wait any longer; call us, and let us help you improve your quality of life, free from pain and discomfort.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. O’Brien, call our Decatur office at 404-370-8050. You can also click the button below.