Dispelling Common Myths About Migraines

CHICAGO, ILL. — Although there are 29.5 million migraine sufferers in the United States, many people who are not affected by this legitimate health condition continue to believe commonly-held myths about migraine. According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), some of the more common myths are as follows:

Myth: Caffeine cannot help relieve a migraine.

Fact: For certain migraine sufferers, caffeine is a migraine inhibitor, for others it is a trigger. Keeping a headache diary can help determine whether caffeine helps or hurts your migraine. Caffeine is found naturally and as an additive in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, certain soft drinks, and some pain relieving and acute migraine medications.

Myth: Migraines are not trigged by stress.

Fact: Stress is a commonly recognized trigger of migraines. Stress can be physical or emotional. It can be good or bad. It is an unavoidable part of modern life.

Events causing emotional stress can trigger a migraine headache. Migraine sufferers are thought to have highly sensitized brains. In times of emotional stress, certain chemicals are released that provoke the vascular changes that can cause a migraine headache. Factors related to stress include anxiety, worry, shock, depression, excitement, and mental fatigue. After a stressful period there may be a letdown which can, in itself, trigger a migraine headache.

Myth: Regular exercise may not help reduce migraine frequency.

Fact: For those who suffer from chronic, recurring migraines, exercise can either provoke an attack or lessen the frequency and severity of these headaches. If exercise or physical strain induce a headache, it is important to see a health care provider. Maintaining a regular exercise program can reduce the number of headaches and contribute to overall good health.

Myth: Dietary supplements cannot be helpful in migraine treatment.

Fact: Those suffering from frequent migraines may have a low magnesium level. Magnesium has a relaxant effect on smooth muscle, such as in blood vessels. Daily supplementation of 500–750 mg increases the body’s magnesium level. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) assists nerve cells in the production of ATP, an energy producing substance, which is essential for many chemical reactions to occur in the body. High doses of riboflavin (400 mg is recommended) may reverse cells’ “energy crisis” during migraine attacks.

Myth: Migraines are not triggered by a lack of sleep.

Fact: Migraine can be triggered by lack of sleep. Go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up the same time each morning, including on weekends. This maintains the body’s natural circadian rhythm.

Myth: Migraines cannot be trigged by exposure to smoke, odors. or perfume.

Fact: Certain fumes and vapors can initiate a migraine headache. Perfumes are also often a culprit. Being in public places which are smoke-filled or poorly ventilated can result in the onset of a migraine.

Myth: Migraines do not run in families

Fact: Migraines can be hereditary. If one parent has migraine, the child has a 50 percent chance of having them. If both parents have them, there is a 75 percent chance the child will develop migraine and if even a distant relative has migraines, there is a 20 percent chance the child will also experience them.

“Because migraine is an often misunderstood disease, it is important to dispel myths that may contribute to the confusion,” said National Headache Foundation Executive Director Suzanne E. Simons. “It is our hope that this effort will further the understanding that migraine is neuro-biologic disease.”

The National Headache Foundation, founded in 1970 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving headache sufferers, their families and the health care providers who treat them

For more information on headache causes and treatments, visit www.headaches.org or call 888-NHF-5552 (Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm CST).