As if dealing with the throbbing pain wasn’t enough, many people living with migraines also experience strange and unsettling visual changes before, during, or after an attack. In fact, about 25-30% of migraine sufferers will encounter these visual aura symptoms at some point in their lives. These vision changes can be a real head-scratcher – literally! They might manifest as flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots, or even temporary blindness in one eye. And the good news is that these visual distortions usually don’t last longer than an hour, with most episodes lasting anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. But…

As someone who lives with migraines, I’ve grown accustomed to my brain’s unpredictable moods. Some days it’s all sunshine and rainbows, but other days… well, let’s just say it’s a good thing I have a stash of chocolate cake hidden away. Recently, I found myself in the midst of one of those “bad” days. The kind where every little sound feels like fingernails on a chalkboard and even the thought of putting on a happy face is exhausting. And then there was the concert to look forward to that evening… or not. My husband had planned a special night out,…

I’m guilty of it myself – when someone tells me they’re fatigued, my response is often a dismissive “tired, too!” But let’s be real, folks. There’s a world of difference between being tired and feeling utterly exhausted. As someone who lives with the constant companion of fatigue, I’ve learned to spot the signs. It’s not just wanting to take a nap or needing a coffee boost – it’s about having the energy drain from your very soul. Here are some examples that showcase the stark contrast between mere tiredness and debilitating fatigue: * Daydreaming about tackling that messy room, but…

Pain is subjective, and that’s an understatement. When we’re asked to rate our discomfort on a scale of 0-10, it can feel like we’re trying to reduce a complex, messy experience into a neat little number. And let’s be real – when you’re in the midst of a migraine or chronic pain, it’s hard to think straight, let alone assign a numerical value to your suffering. As someone who deals with daily migraines and other health issues, I’ve had my fair share of frustrating experiences with the traditional 0-10 pain scale. It seems like no matter how I answer, the…

As we navigate the complexities of living with migraines, it’s easy to feel like we’re alone in this journey. But what if I told you that there are thousands of people out there who understand exactly what you’re going through? At [migrainemedicine.org](http://migrainemedicine.org), we believe that sharing our stories is a powerful way to connect with others and find hope. That’s why we’ve created a platform for community members to share their personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs. One of the most inspiring things about these stories is how they show that we’re not alone in this fight. Susan, who wrote one…

When it comes to tackling migraine attacks, triptans are a go-to treatment for many people. But what exactly are they, and how do they work? In this post, we’ll break down the basics of triptans, including their uses, benefits, and potential drawbacks. What Are Triptans? Triptans are a type of medication designed to relieve migraine symptoms. They’re not meant to prevent attacks from happening in the first place – instead, they’re used as an acute treatment to help ease pain and discomfort once a headache has started. The good news is that triptans come in different forms: oral tablets, nasal…

Are you tired of feeling like a migraine is controlling your life? Do you find yourself constantly searching for answers online, only to come up empty-handed? You’re not alone! Millions of people worldwide suffer from migraines, and it’s time we got to the bottom of what’s going on. At [migrainemedicine.org](http://www.migrainemedicine.org), our mission is to help you unlock the secrets to managing your migraines. From understanding what triggers them (hello, food sensitivities!) to exploring cutting-edge treatments and therapies, we’re here to guide you through the process. So, what’s popular in the community right now? We’re seeing a surge of interest in…

If you’re living with migraines, you know that timing is everything when it comes to finding relief from those pesky symptoms. That’s where acute migraine treatments come in – a type of medication or device designed to stop an attack in its tracks or alleviate your symptoms. Unlike preventive medications, which are taken regularly to reduce the frequency and severity of future migraines, acute treatments are meant to be used at the first sign of a headache or other symptoms. They work by targeting the migraine itself, rather than trying to prevent it from happening in the first place. So,…

If you’re one of the millions of people living with migraines, you know that each episode is a unique and often unpredictable experience. But did you know that some people have an even more fascinating (and frustrating!) version of migraine called migraine with typical aura? In this post, we’ll dive into what makes MTA special, how it affects people, and what you can do to manage your symptoms. The Aura Effect Migraine with typical aura (MTA) is the most common type of migraine with aura. The “aura” part refers to those strange sensory changes that some people experience before their…

Are migraines a constant companion in your life? If so, you’re not alone. According to the American Headache Society, approximately 38% of people with episodic migraine would benefit from preventative treatments. The question is, what are these treatments and how can they help? Preventative treatments for migraines are designed to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of attacks. They work by stopping a migraine from happening in the first place or reducing its impact when it does occur. Unlike acute treatments, which provide relief during an attack, preventative treatments aim to prevent those attacks from happening in the first place.…