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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.