MIGRAINE: MORE THAN “JUST A HEADACHE”
Written by: Marcos Otero, Retired Physician Associate
June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about one of the most misunderstood medical conditions. Many people think migraines are simply severe headaches. In reality, migraines are a complex neurological disorder that can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life.
Imagine trying to work, drive, care for children, or even carry on a conversation while someone repeatedly pounds a drum inside your head. Add nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. For millions of people, this is not imagination—it is reality.
Migraines affect more than one billion people worldwide and are among the leading causes of disability in adults under age 50. Women experience migraines more frequently than men, although migraines can affect anyone, including children.
What Exactly Is a Migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition involving abnormal brain activity and changes in nerve signaling, blood vessels, and inflammatory chemicals. While headache pain is often the most noticeable symptom, migraines can involve much more.
Many people experience an “aura” before the headache begins. An aura may include flashing lights, blind spots, zigzag patterns, tingling sensations, or difficulty speaking. Others experience warning symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, food cravings, or neck stiffness.
Common Symptoms
Migraine symptoms vary from person to person but often include:
• Moderate to severe head pain
• Throbbing or pulsating pain
• Pain on one side of the head
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
• Sensitivity to smells
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty concentrating
Some migraine attacks last only a few hours, while others may continue for several days.
Common Triggers
Although the exact cause of migraines remains unclear, many people identify specific triggers that increase the likelihood of an attack.
Common triggers include:
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Skipping meals
• Dehydration
• Hormonal changes
• Bright lights
• Strong odors
• Weather changes
• Alcohol
• Certain foods such as aged cheeses or processed meats
Not everyone responds to the same triggers. Keeping a headache diary can help identify personal patterns.
When Headaches Become Dangerous
Most headaches are not life-threatening. However, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Seek emergency care if a headache is:
• Sudden and severe
• Associated with weakness
• Accompanied by confusion
• Linked to loss of consciousness
• Occurring after a head injury
• Associated with vision loss
• Different from previous headaches
Healthcare providers often describe these as “red flag” symptoms.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on headache frequency, severity, and individual health factors.
Acute treatments are used once a migraine begins and may include:
• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Prescription migraine medications
• Anti-nausea medications
Preventive treatments are designed to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. These may include medications, lifestyle changes, and newer biologic therapies.
Lifestyle modifications often play an important role:
• Maintain regular sleep habits
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid known triggers
• Manage stress
• Eat regular meals
Living With Migraine
Migraines are often invisible. Friends, coworkers, and family members may not understand the profound impact they have on daily life. Yet migraine sufferers frequently demonstrate tremendous resilience as they continue working, caring for loved ones, and pursuing their goals despite recurring symptoms.
The good news is that treatment options continue to improve. Many individuals who once suffered debilitating attacks now experience significant relief through modern therapies and better understanding of their condition.
If headaches are affecting your quality of life, do not dismiss them as “just headaches.” Talk with your healthcare provider. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan can make a tremendous difference.
Remember: Pain is your body’s way of asking for attention. Listen to it.
