Migraine myths busted

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.

THE SYMPTOMS

The World Health Organisation ranks migraines among the most disabling ills. A migraine is more than a headache. The throbbing pain, which typically occurs on one side of the head, is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. A person feels sick all over.

Symptoms may include nasal stuffiness, blurry vision, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, abnormal sensations of heat or cold, anxiety, depression, irritability and inability to concentrate. Without effective treatment, those most severely affected are unable to cope with even the simplest tasks and must take to their beds till the attack ends.

Afterward, people often feel tired, irritable, listless or depressed, though some feel unusually refreshed and energized. About 4 per cent of pre-pubescent children have migraines. After puberty, the incidence rises to 6 per cent among men and 18 per cent among women and gradually declines...