Six Little Known Facts about Migraines

Migraine sufferers are sometimes misunderstood with respect to their ailment. The general belief is that all migraines automatically refer to severe headaches.

That's just one of the many misconceptions that make the rounds about this debilitating condition. To shed a little more light on the circumstances surrounding migraines. Here are six little known facts.

1. Migraines and headaches not synonymous. Migraines occur with symptomatic pain that may affect other portions 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 can and does vary. It's impossible to predict them. In some cases an attack may be a debilitating affair that puts the sufferer out of commission for between 1 and three days. In other cases symptoms are so benign that they do not affect the patient and his daily activities. It is impossible to predict each migraine attack's severity.

3. Migraines do not indicate of a high IQ. It used to be thought that only creative geniuses, or high IQ people 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 age 40 those destined to suffer from migraines would begin getting them. This again is not true. Migraines occur 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 when they reach age 40.

5. It seems that mood changes can also be part of the migraines. With severe pain that accompanies the migraines, mood changes are sometimes observed a few days before the actual migraine begins. 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. Unfortunately, migraines cannot be stopped. There is as yet, no magic pill for sufferers 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 be done. 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.