Common Myths About Migraines, Debunked

June is Migraine Awareness Month, and given all the myths and stigma surrounding the condition, Dr. James Stephens and our expert team at Interventional Pain Center in Legacy Park, Norman, Oklahoma, want to take this opportunity to debunk a number of those myths so you can understand what migraine is and the pain management options to treat it.

Common migraine myths, debunked

Here are some of the most common myths about migraine and the facts that debunk them.

Myth: Migraines are just a bad headache

FACT: Migraines aren't just a headache; a headache is only one component of the disease. A migraine is a neurological disorder, meaning it comes with an array of neurological symptoms, including visual disturbances; light, sound, and smell sensitivities; nausea and vomiting; and other digestive problems.

Myth: You can have multiple migraines

FACT: Migraines are a neurological condition, so it’s written in the singular form. You can, however, have multiple migraine attacks. These are episodes of head pain and neurological symptoms that can occur anywhere from once in a while (episodic) to every single day of your life (chronic).

If you’d like to learn more about the terminology, check out the CHAMP website.

Myth: Just take an aspirin and you’ll be fine

FACT: Over-the-counter remedies don’t help a migraine attack. Some classes of medication may prevent an attack (e.g., topiramate, Botox®, the new CGRP receptor agonists), and some may abort an attack (e.g., the triptans, gepants like Nurtec ODT, dihydroergotamine mesylate).

Some of these are drugs repurposed from other conditions, such as antipsychotics or antidepressants, and some are migraine-specific, like the CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) medications.

Myth: Don’t worry, the attack will pass quickly

FACT: Migraine attacks come in three to four phases, which, all together, can last for up to a week or more. The prodrome or promontory phase can start 2-3 days before the pain hits and include irritability, light and sound sensitivity, yawning excessively, and food cravings, among other things.

Some people (about 25%) with migraines have an aura. This phase consists of sensory disturbances, such as dots or lightning bolts across your vision or difficulty speaking or understanding others. It usually lasts only 20-60 minutes.

The third phase is the pain phase, which most people think of when they hear the term “migraine.” It’s primarily a one-sided throbbing pain that worsens with any type of movement or activity and can last 4-72 hours. The pain is usually accompanied by neurological symptoms such as sensory sensitivities, nausea, and vomiting.

Once the pain is gone, you’re not through with the attack. The fourth phase is the postdrome, best described as a post-adrenaline crash. You may feel overly fatigued, have difficulty concentrating (brain fog), and have the remnants of the neurological symptoms. This can last 1-2 days.

Myth: People with migraines are lazy

FACT: When people say they can’t work because of a migraine attack, they’re not faking it or being lazy. 

The combination of blinding pain and neurological symptoms makes them physically ill, often to the point where they can’t focus on anything but their symptoms. They need to take abortive medications, lie down, go to a dark room, or whatever helps relieve those symptoms.

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraine is the sixth most disabling condition worldwide.

The best thing you can do for someone with a migraine attack is to be supportive. Ask them what they need to feel better. Ask them if there’s anything you can do to help. And try to be as understanding as possible. 

Want to learn more about migraines? Do you have migraine and need treatment from a pain specialist? To schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephens, call us at 405-759-8407 or use our online booking tool today.