Migraine headaches are no fun. Not only are they painful, but they also can disrupt a daily routine. In fact, migraine is considered to be a chronic illness, meaning it is ongoing.
Some people have a higher risk of experiencing migraines than others. This is particularly true if there is a family history of migraines. Women have a higher risk than men for getting migraines. In women, migraines are often said to occur just before or after menstruation. However, migraines are said to improve once menstruation ends. In other words, menopause may help.
The scary thing is that many people don’t seek medical treatment for this health issue. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, almost half of those who experience migraines have not received a medical diagnosis. In fact, most of those who experience migraines don’t get medical help at all. Just 4 percent of those with migraines who do see a doctor also speak with a headache or pain specialist.
If you just started experiencing migraines, you’re probably asking a lot of questions right now. And if you’ve experienced them for a number of years, you might be looking for answers. Here are 10 migraine facts you need to know.
1. Migraines are common.
According to the Migraine Research Foundation, more than 12 percent of the population is affected by migraines. This condition is said to affect more people than both diabetes and asthma combined. In fact, one in four homes in America may include someone who gets migraines.
2. Migraines affect more women than men.
If you’re a woman, you’re more likely to experience migraines. The Migraine Research Foundation says that 18 percent of women in America are affected by migraines. However, only 6 percent of men report this issue. This is most often seen between the ages of 25 and 55, which are said to be the “peak productive years.”
3. Migraines are hereditary.
Migraines are hereditary. In other words, if you are affected by migraines, your child might be, too. In fact, statistics show that the chances are about 40 percent that a child of a parent who suffers from migraines will develop this health issue. When both parents are affected, this statistic climbs to 90 percent.
4. Symptoms of migraines can appear before the migraine itself.
If you experience symptoms before a migraine comes on, you’re definitely not alone. According to the Mayo Clinic, migraine symptoms can come one or two days before the migraine itself. These symptoms can include constipation, depression, hyperactivity, food cravings, irritability, a stiff neck, and an urge to yawn. You may also develop auras, which we’ll discuss next.
5. Auras can accompany migraines.
Those who suffer from migraines can tell you that auras are downright scary. This is because you may see flashing lights or flashing “V’s.” You may even lose vision in general. According to the Mayo Clinic, auras usually come in visual form. However, they can also come in the form of sensory, motor and verbal disturbances. The first time this happens, many migraine sufferers think that they’re dying because they don’t know why these symptoms have occurred. These symptoms are said to be present for about 20 minutes to an hour.
6. Migraines are painful and can last for several days.
For sufferers, it seems like migraines last forever. According to the Mayo Clinic, an untreated migraine is said to be present somewhere between four hours and three days. The frequency and duration depend on the person. Some have migraines many times a month, and some have only one in a lifetime.
When a migraine occurs, many things can happen. You may experience pain on either or both sides of your head. The pain may pulsate. This can be described as a type of throbbing. Further, it's common to be sensitive to light, sound and smell. Nausea, vomiting and blurred vision may accompany migraines. Fatigue or euphoria may occur after the migraine subsides.
7. Migraines can be disabling.
Migraines can be downright disabling. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraine is said to be the eighth most-disabling illness in the world. It is a common cause of emergency rooms visits. In fact, every 10 seconds, an American visits the ER with either a headache or a migraine. Add that to the fact that more than 90 percent of those who get migraines can’t work or perform daily activities when attacks occur.
8. Migraines are expensive.
The cost of migraines is alarming. According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraines cost $20 billion annually in doctor visits, medications and missed days of work.
Unfortunately, dollars spent on research related to migraines are said to be lacking. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, 2013 funding from the National Institutes of Health was said to be just 50 cents for each person who has migraines. This is why the Migraine Research Foundation was created -- to address the lack of funding related to migraines.
9. People who have migraines are more likely to experience other health problems.
Migraines and other health issues just may go hand in hand. According to the American Migraine Foundation, people who experience migraines are said to have a greater chance of developing other issues including depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, fatigue and chronic pain conditions. Further, those who experience auras may have a higher risk of both stroke and heart attack.
10. Medication can help.
Medication can help to make migraines more tolerable. According to the Mayo Clinic, migraines are treated with both preventive and pain-relieving medications. Though migraines can’t be cured at this time, taking preventive medication may result in fewer attacks. Plus, they may make migraine medications work better during the attack itself. Those who suffer from migraines can try other treatments to alleviate the condition. These include muscle relaxation exercises, getting enough sleep, relaxing, and keeping a headache diary to track triggers. Acupuncture and massage therapy also may be helpful.