The editors of Prevention Magazine (http://www.prevention.com/health/; July, 2006) list five myths of migraines.
- “I would know if it were a migraine.” As it turns out, half of all migraine victims are not being properly treated, because they don’t know what a migraine is or the doctor misdiagnosed it. Therefore, if a person cannot obtain relief of a headache through traditional pain killers, he/she should go to a doctor.
- “Migraines are just bad headaches.” In truth, a migraine is a serious condition, and not a symptom of another problem. Symptoms of a migraine include a pounding headache, which usually comes with nausea and distortion of light and sound. These episodes can last anywhere from four hours to three days. Also, migraines runs in families. If one parent suffers, chances are that half of his offspring will, too.
- “Migraines are caused by stress.” Unfortunately, in people with a propensity towards migraines, stress may trigger the migraine, but it is not the ultimate cause. The real culprit is a neurological disorder which may be genetic, as mentioned previously.
- “You always see an aura before a migraine.” Actually, less than a third of those suffering from migraines experience the telltale aura prior to the onset of a migraine.
- “You can cure migraines by avoiding specific foods.” Although it’s true that avoiding certain foods – such as alcohol and cheese – may prevent migraines, this activity won’t cure them. The reason is that migraines are a neurological disorder, and can still be triggered by things besides food in people with a disposition towards migraines.
Obviously, not all triggers can be prevented or anticipated. We are the manufacturers of Migravent, a dietary supplement that benefit people with migraines.
