"14 Things People With Migraines Wish You Knew"

 

What is a migraine? It's much more than just a headache!

AN INVISIBLE CONDITION: From the outside, migraines can be somewhat of a mystery. You know the pain can be unbearable and debilitating, but it's hard to understand how people who get migraines really feel. And if you've ever had one of these painful headaches, you can tell people just how excruciating they can be—physically. But it's hard to communicate the psychological challenges that go along with a condition that can strike with or without warning. So what do people really wish migraine-free people knew? We asked five women with frequent migraines, and Mia Minen, MD, a neurologist and director of headache services at NYU Langone Medical Center, in New York City, to give us the real deal on these mother-headaches.

IT’S NOT ‘JUST A HEADACHE’: This was No. 1 on the list that we heard from people who get migraines. While most people have had a headache at some point, not everyone has had a migraine. “I’m actually happy when I get ‘just a headache,’” says Kerilyn Whitehead, who has been dealing with migraines for 13 years. Migraine-associated head pain is severe, can be on one or both sides of the head, and is usually characterized by an intense throbbing. Nausea, vomiting, extreme light and sound sensitivity, blurred vision, and more can also accompany them. “My worst migraines come with light and sound sensitivity, where I can’t have my eyes open because it will hurt, and talking takes a huge amount of effort,” says Jessica Feighan, who has had migraines for 18 years.

THEY CAN BE TRULY DISABLING: According to a 2013 study published in The Journal of Headache and Pain, migraines are the seventh most disabling disease in the world. In fact, there is a metric that doctors use to measure just how much migraines impact a person’s life, says Dr. Minen. The Migraine Disability Assessment Test (MIDAS) takes into account the number of days missed from work or school, the loss of time with family, friends or at social events, and the inability to do household chores and other daily tasks. 

MIGRAINES LAST LONGER THAN HEADACHES: Migraine pain can last for extended periods of time—even 3 days or more. The range can be from 4 to 72 hours (or longer) if untreated. Headaches, on the other hand, have fewer symptoms, are easier to treat, and subside more quickly. Tension-type headaches are the most common type, and are caused by tightness in the muscles in the face, neck, and shoulders, usually as a result of stress, anxiety, or depression. Most non-migraine headaches respond to lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.

THERE’S MORE THAN ONE KIND OF MIGRAINE: There are two major types of migraine: migraine with aura and migraine without aura. An aura is a visual or other neurological disturbance that occurs within an hour of an attack (think flashing lights, spots, or lines), although sometimes people can have the aura without a migraine. Other harbingers can include loss of vision, difficulty speaking, numbness, or muscle weakness. These can also be signs of stroke so check with your doctor if you ever have these symptoms. Other types of migraines include chronic or menstrual migraines. If you have migraines 15 days out of the month, for three months or more, you are considered to have chronic migraine. Women with menstrual migraines have hormone-triggered head pain during or just before their monthly period.

LIFESTYLE FACTORS CAN TRIGGER MIGRAINES: While it’s difficult to avoid all migraine triggers, it’s important for people to try to keep their schedules as consistent as possible, says Dr. Minen. Changes in wake-sleep patterns and stress levels can be a trigger. As can sensory stimuli such as bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells, or changes in the weather or barometric pressure, she says. Missing a meal or fasting can also result in a migraine. 

FOODS CAN ALSO TRIGGER THEM: Unfortunately, certain foods can trigger a migraine attack too. Although it's not true for everyone, many people say alcohol, chocolate, processed foods, and food additives such as artificial sweeteners and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are a problem. Specific food triggers can be difficult to identify, which is why doctors stress the importance of keeping a headache diary. People who are aware of their triggers may find it difficult to eat out at restaurants or attend social events where it might be difficult to stick to their diet. “I always monitor food and caffeine intake,” says Lehigh Garrick who has had migraines for 10 years. “I make sure I keep caffeine consistent and eat full meals.”

YOU CAN DO EVERYTHING ‘RIGHT’ AND STILL GET MIGRAINES: Even people who make lifestyle changes, take preventative and emergency medication, and avoid their triggers can still struggle with migraines. “Although myself and my doctors have done a better job of trying to prevent my migraines, you never know when a migraine could come on,” says Stephanie Petrello, who has had chronic migraines for 10 years. Preventive measure can help reduce the frequency of attacks and make symptoms more manageable, but it’s not a perfect science. 

MIGRAINES CAN GO HAND-IN-HAND WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES: “Oftentimes, patients of migraines can be concerned that they’re going to get a migraine attack," says Dr. Minen. "And this can cause anxiety because patients are so aware of how disabling it can be.” Another common problem is depression, she says. Treatments that can be effective in treating anxiety and depression, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can be used to help treat migraines as well.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DOESN’T NECESSARILY MAKE IT BETTER: Exercise may help ease the pain of some types of headaches because it relieves tension and can boost pain-relieving endorphins. But that's not true for people experiencing a migraine. The nausea alone can make rapid movement impossible, and sensory stimuli (sunlight, loud noises at gyms, a smelly neighbor) can be unbearable. Most often, the only way to deal with an attack is to retreat to a dark, cool room that is as quiet as possible. As a preventive measure, though, regular exercise and a healthy diet may be lifestyle factors that may help reduce the risk of attacks overall.

THERE ARE FOUR MAIN PHASES TO A MIGRAINE: A migraine attack can have four stages—PRODROME, which occurs about a day before an attack with symptoms such as food cravings, mood changes, or frequent urination; AURA, the visual, sensory, or speech disruptions that can happen within an hour of an attack; HEADACHE, which are symptoms such as head pain and nausea; and POSTDROME, which is extreme fatigue and grogginess that can linger after the pain has receded. Some people refer to the last stage as a “migraine hangover, "and it can take a day or more to feel normal again.

MIGRAINES CAN BE MENTALLY EXHAUSTING: The four migraine stages can wreak havoc on a person's mental and physical well-being. Auras can be scary on their own, but the stress is amplified by the fact that they signal an impending attack. And even after the headache is over, it's not really over. The physical pain of the attack segues into the postdrome symptoms of fatigue and grogginess. “Sometimes I feel exhausted because the pain is so intense,” says Feighan. “And sometimes I have a hard time concentrating or focusing.”

PEOPLE WITH MIGRAINES CAN LOOK PERFECTLY HEALTHY: Migraines affect 12% of the U.S. population, and are three times more common in women than men. Migraines are highly disruptive, affecting people mentally and physically, as well as socially and professionally. There is a lot of stigma attached to migraine, and many people feel misunderstood because it seems “invisible” to others. “A lot of the public doesn’t understand that migraine is a debilitating condition, it’s not just a headache,” says Dr. Minen. 

THEY CAN AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO WORK OR GO TO SCHOOL: It can be frustrating when people don't understand why a person with a migraine has to leave work or school to deal with an attack. “There were times that I would have to skip class or call out of my job,” says Janine Weiburg, who has had migraines for almost 10 years. “It is hard to explain to your professor or boss that it is more than just a headache.” Weiburg also finds that she has difficulty focusing during a migraine, which then affects her performance and projects. 

SOCIAL EVENTS—EVEN IMPORTANT ONES—CAN BE INTERRUPTED: One reason people with migraines might be more prone to anxiety and depression? Migraines can make it impossible to attend (or stay at) life events, even important ones. Feighan has missed dozens of events due to her migraines, from weddings to family get-togethers. "I’ve had to leave places early or abruptly,” she says. “In all of those instances and in many more, I’ve found myself curled up into a ball in the front seat of a car, or laying across the back seat, with my hands over my eyes, trying to sleep off the pain.” 

EVEN SIMPLE TASKS CAN BE IMPOSSIBLE: If the only relief comes in the form of a dark, quiet room, it can be difficult to find a safe place as quickly as you need it. Sometimes, people have to deal with their migraines and go about their day until they can find relief. “There were times I couldn’t even drive home because the street lights and headlights of other cars would blind me when I had a migraine,” says Weiburg. 

Alison Mango, Health, September 01, 2016

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2Live #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow 

 

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by Health Magazine, Health Magazine employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of Health Magazine, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.

“Are Organic Foods Worth the Cost?”

To Buy or Not to Buy Organic: Is organic food worth the extra cost? Some items might be a higher priority than others. Experts recommend spending most of your organic food dollars on produce and the foods you eat most often.

 

Buy Organic: Peaches - The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization in Washington, DC, recommends going organic on produce that is most susceptible to pesticide residue, like peaches.

 

Buy Organic: Apples - Apples are a good source of fiber, especially if you eat the peel. The peel also has nutrients that may cut your odds of getting cancer and heart disease. But the peel is also where pesticides can build up. So buying organic apples makes sense. If you can't afford it, scrubbing their skins under running water can help reduce pesticide residues, too.

 

Buy Organic: Sweet Bell Peppers - Bell peppers are among those vegetables with higher pesticide residues. But government limits set safe levels of pesticide use and residue allowed on foods, organic or not. Although some pesticide levels are assumed to be safe, the chemicals used are strong. Because kids' immune systems may not be fully developed, they may be at greater risk from some pesticides than adults.

 

Buy Organic: Celery - A crunchy, low-calorie vegetable with a bit of vitamins A, C, and K, folate, potassium, and manganese, one large stalk of celery has only about 10 calories. Whether or not you buy organic celery, you can reduce pesticide residues, dirt, and bacteria by thoroughly washing the stalks under streaming water. Do not use soap.

 

Buy Organic: Nectarines - This juicy fruit is rich in vitamins A and C, niacin, and potassium. An average-sized nectarine has about 65 calories. Scrub or remove the peel to help reduce pesticide residues.

 

Buy Organic: Strawberries & Cherries - Strawberries and cherries are a great source of vitamin C. And while buying organic berries may give you a lot of bang for your organic buck, you may also want to consider buying local. Locally grown foods are usually fresher, and kinder to the environment, than produce that's traveled a long way to your store.

 

Buy Organic: Pears - A medium-sized pear contains about 103 calories and is a good source of vitamin C and fiber. But pears often have higher pesticide residues than many other fruits. It's a good idea to scrub a pear's skin to reduce pesticide residue and bacteria, even in organic pears.

 

Buy Organic: Grapes - Grapes are a tasty low-calorie snack or dessert. One cup has about 104 calories and is packed with vitamins C and K. Raisins (dried grapes) are also a good source of iron. Try to avoid imported grapes, which often have higher pesticide residues. But don't eliminate grapes from your diet if you can't always buy organic. Consider buying organic grapes for children and if you're pregnant.

 

Buy Organic: Spinach & Lettuce - Spinach is a great source of protein, vitamins A, C, E, and K, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese. It's got about 7 calories a cup. Lettuce has about 5 calories per cup. But they also have high levels of pesticide residue. Buy organic or grow your own (greens do well even in large patio containers).

 

Buy Organic: Potatoes & Carrots - Potatoes are a good organic purchase, especially since most conventional potatoes are pesticide-intensive crops. They are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, and fiber. A medium-sized baked potato contains around 161 calories, without the fixings. Sweet, crunchy carrots are loaded with vitamins A and K and are a good source of fiber.

 

Buy Organic: Milk - Cows raised on conventional farms are often given recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) to boost the amount of milk they produce. Does rBGH pose a health hazard to humans? Scientists don't agree. But if you have a baby or child who drinks milk, consider taking precaution and choosing rBGH-free or organic. Organic milk comes from cows that have not been given antibiotics or hormones. Many conventional brands are rBGH-free but aren't labeled as such. Look it up online or call the milk company.

 

Buy Organic: Beef - According to the Organic Trade Association, livestock on an organic farm cannot be given antibiotics or growth hormones unnecessarily. And although the risk to humans isn't clear, added hormones do show up in supermarket beef.

 

Buy Organic: Peanut Butter - Kids tend to eat a lot of peanut butter, and peanut butter made from just organic peanuts and salt is better than conventional peanut butter with added hydrogenated oils and sugar. The natural oils in organic peanut butter may separate and form a layer on top of the jar. If so, just stir it all up so it's creamy again.

 

Buy Organic: Baby Foods - Because kids' immune systems are not fully developed, they may be at greater risk from some pesticides than adults. Feeding them organic baby food provides peace of mind and ensures you give your baby the best start.

 

Look for the USDA Organic Seal: The organic seal means the food is grown, harvested, and processed according to government standards that include limits on amounts and residues of pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics. Natural pesticides are allowed. Organic foods cannot be treated with any sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.

 

Understand Organic Terms: When buying organic products, look for the following terms on food labels:

• "100% organic" -- All ingredients must be certified organic.
• "Organic" -- This means the food has at least 95% certified organic ingredients.
• "Made with organic ingredients" -- This means the food must contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients.

 

Buy Conventional or Local: Papayas & Mangoes - The Environmental Working Group lists several foods as having the least pesticide residues and not worth spending the extra money to buy organic varieties. Tough peels on some fruits and vegetables absorb much of the pesticide. If you discard the peel, the remaining food has less pesticide residue. Papayas and mangoes are among these foods.

 

Buy Conventional or Local: Broccoli - The health benefits of conventionally grown produce far outweigh potential risks from pesticide exposure, so enjoy broccoli raw or cooked after washing well. Florets that are dark green, purplish, or bluish contain more beta-carotene and vitamin C than paler or yellowing ones. This vitamin C-packed veggie is also a great source of vitamins A, K, and B6, folate, potassium, and manganese. One cup of raw broccoli has about 31 calories.

 

Buy Conventional or Local: Cabbage - Cabbage is a great source of vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as folate and manganese. One cup of raw cabbage has only about 22 calories. Remove and throw out the outer layers to cut down on dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues. Avoid buying precut cabbage, as the leaves may have already lost their vitamin C.

 

Buy Conventional or Local: Bananas - Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and manganese, and a great source of vitamin B6. A medium banana has about 105 calories. If you want to go the extra mile, you can scrub even produce with inedible skins such as bananas before eating them to help keep any contaminants on the skin from spreading to the edible part of the fruit.

 

Buy Conventional or Local: Kiwifruit & Pineapple - An excellent source of vitamins C and K, a medium kiwifruit contains about 46 calories. Pineapple is a great source of vitamin C and manganese. One cup of the fruit has about 74 calories. Scrub and peel the skins of these fruits before enjoying the sweet flesh.

 

Buy Conventional or Local: Peas - A half-cup of fresh peas contains about 55 calories and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, thiamine, and manganese. Peas are also a good low-calorie source of protein. A 100-calorie serving of peas (about 3/4 cup) contains more protein than a whole egg or a tablespoon of peanut butter, and has less than 1 gram of fat and no cholesterol. Rinse them before preparing.

 

Buy Conventional or Local: Asparagus - Asparagus can be found in green and white varieties. Four cooked spears of asparagus contain about 13 calories and are a great source of protein, vitamins A, C, E, and K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, and selenium. Wash thoroughly before preparing.

 

Buy Conventional or Local: Corn - A good source of thiamine and folate, one cooked ear of yellow corn contains about 111 calories. Make sure the corn husks are green, tight, and fresh-looking. Pull them open a little to make sure that the ear contains tightly packed rows of plump kernels. The kernels should be smaller at the tip of each ear. Large kernels at the tip are signs that the corn is too mature.

 

Buy Conventional or Local: Avocados - Avocados are loaded with dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and folate, and vitamins B6, C, E, and K. This fruit is an excellent source of good-for-you monounsaturated fat. But an average-sized avocado has about 227 calories. To be extra careful, wash the skin before cutting into it.

 

Buy Conventional or Local: Onions - A great source of vitamin C, one medium onion has only around 44 calories. Remove the outer layers of skin before cooking or serving raw.

Reduce Pesticide Residues: Whether or not you buy organic, you can do your part to reduce pesticide residues on foods with the following tips:

• Wash and scrub produce under streaming water to remove dirt, bacteria, and surface pesticide residues -- even produce with inedible skins, such as cantaloupe. Don't use soap.
• Remove the outer leaves of leafy vegetables.
• Eat a variety of foods from different sources.

 

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables: One thing experts agree on: Regardless of whether you choose locally grown, organic, or conventional foods, it’s important to eat plenty of produce. The health benefits of such a diet far outweigh any potential risks from pesticide exposure. Government guidelines recommend eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables for their health-promoting, disease-preventing substances.

Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on /2, 14 1

REFERENCES:

Keecha Harris, DrPH, former spokeswoman, American Dietetic Association.
Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH, Paulette Goddard professor of nutrition, food studies, and public health, New York University; author, What to Eat.
Lu, C. Environmental Health Perspectives, published online Sept. 1, 2005.
Consumer Reports, February 2006.
Environmental Protection Agency: "Pesticides and Food: How the Government Regulates Pesticides," "Pesticides and Food: Healthy, Sensible Food Practices."
Environmental Working Group.
National Organic Program.
American Dietetic Association.
WebMD Feature: "Organic Food – Is ‘Natural’ Worth the Extra Cost?"
NutritionData.
Food & Water Watch: "The Milk Tip."
Medical News Today: "Scientists Isolate Anti-Cancer Compounds From Apple Peel."
United States Department of Agriculture: "USDA Pesticide Data Program: Pesticide Residues on Fresh and Processed Fruit and Vegetables, Grains, Meats, Milk and Drinking Water," "Labeling Organic Products."
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides: "Sustainable Potato Production."

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2Live

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.