Everything you thought you knew about migraine headaches—except that they are among the worst non-fatal afflictions of humankind—may be wrong. At least that’s what headache researchers now maintain. From long-maligned dietary triggers to the underlying cause of the headaches themselves, longstanding beliefs have been brought into question by recent studies.

As if that were not enough dogma to overturn, there is growing evidence that almost all the so-called sinus headaches are really migraines.

No wonder the plethora of sinus remedies on the market and the endless prescriptions for antibiotics have yielded so little relief.

While the findings may bring joy to the afflicted, the good news is that there are many drugs available now that can either prevent migraine attacks or abort the headaches once they start.

DON’T SUFFER ANY MORE

Migraine therapy has come a long way in two decades. Surveys indicate that only about half of “classic” migraine sufferers are reaping the benefits of what modern medicine offers.

Those who know or suspect that they have migraines should see a neurologist or a headache specialist to obtain a proper diagnosis for the best available treatment. In fact, the doctor is the most important part of availing relief.

Too many people try to muddle through, sometimes causing more frequent migraines by overusing self-prescribed medications. Others may see a physician who fails to help and then conclude that their headaches are beyond help. Even if an expert was unable to help you years ago, there are now so many new therapies—and a far better understanding of the nature of migraines—that you’d be wise to try again.

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