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Migraine: Not Just a Headache

Updated on September 18, 2016

A Personal Viewpoint

More Than a Headache

Migraine is an often misunderstood disease. It is not a headache, but a whole-body disease which may not even include a headache.

A neurological disease, migraine can make it difficult to follow through on daily activities and can even increase your chances of having a stroke. If you've never experienced a migraine attack, you may be tempted to compare it to your worst headache. There's so much more to it than that.

Having dealt with migraine for many years, I've gathered quite a bit of information. I've tried just about everything from preventative drugs to special diets and biofeedback. Cured? No. I'm still living with Migraine, but I know I am not alone. Read on for a summary of resources and stories about migraine. I hope this will help you in your own search.

Photo Essay: Migraine Makes You Want to Hide

When I have a migraine, I don't want to talk to you. It takes too much energy.
When I have a migraine, I don't want to talk to you. It takes too much energy. | Source
I just want to hide. But, sometimes I go to work anyway because no matter where I am I'd still feel it. If I focus really hard and take my meds, I can still be very productive.
I just want to hide. But, sometimes I go to work anyway because no matter where I am I'd still feel it. If I focus really hard and take my meds, I can still be very productive. | Source
Some days are just too much. It's really frustrating when it happens on a day off. What a waste! I feel like I lose so much of my potentially productive time to Migraine.
Some days are just too much. It's really frustrating when it happens on a day off. What a waste! I feel like I lose so much of my potentially productive time to Migraine. | Source
Yes, sometimes my head really hurts, but it's a whole body disease.
Yes, sometimes my head really hurts, but it's a whole body disease. | Source
I feel it everywhere. Nausea can come with migraines and I've had my share of that, but sometimes I just plain hurt all over so much that it's hard to move around. So, if you ask me if my head feels better yet, that's not really the right question.
I feel it everywhere. Nausea can come with migraines and I've had my share of that, but sometimes I just plain hurt all over so much that it's hard to move around. So, if you ask me if my head feels better yet, that's not really the right question. | Source
It's a neurological disease. Some people will have an "aura" that affects them prior to the main attack. For me, I can have a hard time communicating. I forget words and put things in the wrong place. Sometimes I don't know where I am. Weird, huh?
It's a neurological disease. Some people will have an "aura" that affects them prior to the main attack. For me, I can have a hard time communicating. I forget words and put things in the wrong place. Sometimes I don't know where I am. Weird, huh? | Source
Migraine has some very strange symptoms. There is probably nothing you can do to help me feel better. Please don't tell me to see a doctor. I have and I do.
Migraine has some very strange symptoms. There is probably nothing you can do to help me feel better. Please don't tell me to see a doctor. I have and I do. | Source
I'm sorry I'm so out of it sometimes. I know it's hard for you to understand. But, please don't tell me to take vitamins or herbs or use ice or heat. I've done it all.
I'm sorry I'm so out of it sometimes. I know it's hard for you to understand. But, please don't tell me to take vitamins or herbs or use ice or heat. I've done it all. | Source
Please don't conclude that I'm a bad person or that I'm weak, anxious and can't cope with my life. Believe me, I'm stronger than you think. This is hereditary. My mom had it, my sisters, my cousins and my grandfather, too.
Please don't conclude that I'm a bad person or that I'm weak, anxious and can't cope with my life. Believe me, I'm stronger than you think. This is hereditary. My mom had it, my sisters, my cousins and my grandfather, too. | Source
I've been dealing with this for a long time. I've tried just about everything and I see a specialist. I take one of the newest medications. It helps a lot and I continue to explore options.
I've been dealing with this for a long time. I've tried just about everything and I see a specialist. I take one of the newest medications. It helps a lot and I continue to explore options. | Source
I'll be OK. Thanks for your concern.
I'll be OK. Thanks for your concern. | Source

What Does Migraine Feel Like? How 'Bout This?

What Does Migraine Feel Like? How 'Bout This?
What Does Migraine Feel Like? How 'Bout This?

Migraine Medication

Migraine runs in my family, as it often does. Compared to the options available to my Grandfather and mother, I am very lucky. Research has allowed for the development of a new class of drugs (triptans) for the treatment of migraine. I'm so grateful.
Migraine runs in my family, as it often does. Compared to the options available to my Grandfather and mother, I am very lucky. Research has allowed for the development of a new class of drugs (triptans) for the treatment of migraine. I'm so grateful.

Express Yourself! A Migraine Poetry Contest

Check out the migraine poetry contest And consider writing something yourself. It's a great way to get out your frustration and also help others better understand what it's like to have Migraine Disease.

Will you share your own migraine story with us?

Tell Us Your Story

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    • joanhall profile image

      Joan Hall 

      7 years ago from Los Angeles

      I've had to deal with migraines most of my life. Mine seem to be linked to my hormonal cycle.

    • Cygnus76 LM profile image

      Cygnus76 LM 

      8 years ago

      luck for those who got rid of their migraine, I'm still battling with mine. fun fun.. Not!

    • HorseFan profile image

      HorseFan 

      9 years ago

      Thankfully, I have never had a migraine -- or very many regular headaches, either. But thatnks for helping me to understand this subject. My dad used to suffer terribly from migraines and they would really incapacitate him.

    • profile image

      inese_millere 

      9 years ago

      I am ex-migraine sufferer. During my 20-30 th ( I am 46) I never left home w/out strong pain killers in my purse. It feels horrible when u have a migraine attack....I got rid of it after I changed the way I eat and started to drink plenty of water.

      Thank u for creating this lens;5 stars

      inese

      www.action4balance.com

    • profile image

      anonymous 

      11 years ago

      I didn't realize there was such a broad spectrum of problems with migraine. Thanks for helping me understand.

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