"your migraines are caused by your hormones!"
I'm on birth control and haven't had my cycle in months.
"your migraines are caused by dehydration!"
I drink more water than the average person needs in a day.
"your migraines are caused by what you eat!"
I do not have food triggers.
"your migraines are caused by what you drink!"
Caffeine helps my migraines. Not having it doesn't make them worse. I have gotten a migraine from alcohol one time.
"your migraines are caused by your sleep schedule!"
My sleep schedule has only changed when I've had extenuating circumstances or have been in a different time zone.
"your migraines are caused by medication overuse!"
I have had my GP and two neurologists rule that out. I am very careful with what I take.
"your migraines are caused by stress!"
I am a part-time college student with no job. My stress is extremely limited.
"your migraines are caused by light!"
I wear red lenses almost 24/7. They block out blue light and bright light.
"your migraines are caused by sound!"
I have very little sound sensitivity.
"your migraines are caused by smells!"
My sense of smell barely works.
"your migraines are caused by your weight!"
Nope. Had them when I was underweight.
"your migraines are caused by your lack of exercise!"
Nope. Had them when I was exercising for multiple hours every day.
Doctors like to blame the patient for their condition. Know what does worsen my migraines? The weather. Can't control that. Every single migraine medication I've been prescribed has made my migraines worse. I've been prescribed all but one. I have so many new symptoms- even new conditions- because of the medications I've been given over the past three years. I have one treatment left to try. I have to deal with severe constipation for the next... six months, at the minimum- because of my current medication. I don't know if my GI tract has been permanently damaged. The medication takes six months to leave my body.
I have been in constant pain for a thousand and eighty days. I should be out partying with friends, not planning out hospital stays.
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New Daily Persistent Headache is very treatable
New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is condition that is defined solely by the fact that the headache begins suddenly one day and does not go away. There are no scientific studies to suggest possible underlying mechanisms or treatments. Some patients develop it after a viral infection while others, after a period of stress and many with no apparent trigger.
In my latest book, I mentioned how a…
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What is the Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?
Headaches and migraines are two common types of pain with many overlapping symptoms, making figuring out the exact problem confusing for someone who experiences both. The two aren't the same thing, in any case. Read on for more information about what is the difference between a headache and a migraine, as well as their symptoms and treatments.
What is the Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?
There are more than 150 types of headaches and they are broken into two main categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches.
Primary headaches include: cluster headaches, migraine, NDPH, tension headaches.
Secondary headaches include: blood vessel disease of the brain, head injury, high blood pressure (hypertension), infection, medication overuse, sinus congestion, trauma or tumor.
In contrast, a migraine is a chronic disorder that causes various side-effects, most notably a throbbing, pulsing headache on one ear. It can be worse in certain situations like when you are active, looking at light or sound, and smelling different scents. A 2018 study found that more than 15 percent of adults in the United States had experienced a migraine episode or a severe headache.
What Causes a Headache?
There are many different causes of headaches, and it's usually difficult to determine which one is responsible for your pain. However, some of the most common causes of headaches include:
Accidents, falls, and punches to the head are all possible causes of head trauma.
Colds, allergies, and external conditions can all cause sinus problems.
Migraine headaches are commonly caused by a buildup of blood in the brain.
Stress or repetitive chores are common causes of tension headaches.
Cluster headaches are uncommon but severe headaches that strike in waves throughout the day.
What Type of Migraine Headache Do You Have?
The following is a list of different types of migraine headaches and the symptoms that typically accompany them.
Classical Migraine
A classical migraine usually causes intense pressure or pain in one side of the head, along with nausea and vomiting. This headache may last between 12 hours and 72 hours. Some people also experience sensitivity to light and sound. If you think you may have a classical migraine, see your doctor immediately. Many treatments available can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with this type of headache.
Complex Migraine
People with complex migraines experience intense pulsing sensations in the head and a feeling of vertigo. Symptoms typically start by gradually, but can become more severe as time goes on. Some symptoms consist of nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. Treatment is typically medication and changes that impact lifestyle such as avoiding caffeine or alcohol consumption.
Hemiplegic Migraine
A hemiplegic migraine is a form of migraine that affects one side of the body leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, tingling and an inability to speak. The cause of this type of migraine is usually related to an interruption in the blood flow in the brain. These types of migraine responses are usually severe and last between 24 hours and 3 days.
Occipital Headache
Occipital headaches occur when pressure is applied to the back of the skull near the occipital bone. Occipital bone is a small bone at the back of the skull that helps to support the brain. When pressure or pain builds up in this area, it can lead to a headache. Many things can cause occipital headaches, including head injuries and tumors, infections and herniated disks.
What Are The Treatments For Headaches?
To take care of your “headaches,” it is essential to know what triggers them and where you feel the pain. Keeping a headache journal can be very helpful.
With targeted treatment, your healthcare provider can tailor treatment to your specific needs. For example, if you have headaches from stress, the anxiety can be reduced by treatments such as counseling or stress management skills. It is recommended that you lower your stress levels to avoid experiencing headaches caused by stress
Not all headaches require medication. The type of headache, frequency, and cause all influence how headaches are treated.
What Are The Treatments For Migraines?
Migraines are chronic and can often be managed. There are medications that are used to treat this condition—medications that can be divided into treatments classified as abortive and preventive.
If taken for an early sign of a migraine, abortive treatment can be effective. Some abortive treatments reduce blood flow or bring blood vessels back to normal, and alleviate throbbing pain, as well as stopping a headache from happening.
Preventive medications are used to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines before they occur. These drugs can work quickly, and if taken daily, help sufferers strike a better balance.
Ready to Find Relief From Your Migraines or Headaches?
The Headache Wellness Center offers treatment services for issues related to tension headaches and migraine headaches. If you think you may be suffering from either of these, contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn about our program in more detail.
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Five years
Five years
Five years
Five years
Five years
Ive been sick for five years. I’m almost 20. That means I’ve spent 1/4th of my life in pain 24/7.
April 15th, 2015. A moment that I remember vividly. I was in my last class of the day, history in my 8th grade year. I was 14. I had soccer practice that afternoon. My teacher was going over the study guide for our test. When I suddenly had an intense headache hit me out of nowhere.
I went to soccer practice, it was just a headache, right? It’d go away once I got home and took some ibuprofen. Right?
The next morning when I woke up, it was still there.
And the next
And the next
And the next
For five years I have been robbed of sleep, of fitness, of parties, of dances, of romance, of friendships, of being a stupid teenager.
This is my first anniversary with my stimulator. I thought it’d be easier. It’s not. My head is still aching and it is still wearing me down. My chest is heavy and my eyes feel like they’re being pulled from the sockets. My ears ache and my throat throbs with nausea.
Five years.
Five years and I’m still counting.
I’m still here.
God knows there were times that I planned to not be.
Five years and I’m still not used to it.
Five years and I am incredibly weary.
Five years and forever to come.
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