Migrainescan be absolutely hellish, as anyone who has ever had one knows.
The misperceptions so many people have about migraines can just make the whole experience worse.
Here are totally false myths about migraines that people should quit believing.
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Charles R., 27, started getting migraines when he entered law school a few years ago.
Its annoying when people think its just a regularheadache, he tells SELF.
This is probably the most pervasive myth about migraines, and it couldnt be further from the truth.
An excruciating pulsing headache on one or both sides of the head is only one part of the package.
Actually, migraines can announce their presence long before anypainstrikes and stick around for the after-party too.
Actually, only about one third of people with migraines experience aura, according toNINDS.
If someone has mild to moderate migraines, OTC pain relievers may be enough, according to theMayo Clinic.
But for many people, these types of drugs wont do the trick.
That puts you at an increased risk for amedication-overuse headache, Dr. Mays says.
Its a nasty cycle that you definitely want to avoid.
No, people withmigrainesarent just playing hooky.
[Migraines] can be very disabling, Dr. Green says.
Its very hard to just push through a migraine and continue on with your day.
This is certainly the case for Charles.
He usually gets his migraines in the evening, which sometimes forces him to cancel hanging out with friends.
Its true that migraines are about three times more common in women, according to theNINDS.
(This is acting like due in part to the wayestrogen changes can trigger migraines.)
But there are still plenty of men who have the condition as well.
Thanks to this misperception, though, they can be less likely to seek treatment.
That brings us to our next myth, actually…
So how can you tell the difference?
If youre not sure which youre dealing with, see a doctor.
Sinus headaches and migraines are often confused for one another, even among patients and doctors themselves.
If youre dealing with persistent head pain and sinus issues, dont just curse yourbrainand nasal passages.
