Imagine experiencing a migraine attack that not only brings debilitating headaches but also leaves you feeling weak and paralyzed on one side of your body. This is the reality for people living with hemiplegic migraine, a rare and poorly understood subtype of migraine with aura. Hemiplegic migraine can strike at any time, and its effects can be unpredictable. In some cases, it may occur randomly, while in others, it can run in families. When there’s no family history, it’s called sporadic hemiplegic migraine; when multiple family members are affected, it’s known as familial hemiplegic migraine. The term “plegic” means paralysis,…

As I reflect on my own journey with migraine, I’ve come to realize that self-care is far more than just a luxurious treat. It’s an essential tool for living well – especially when you’re dealing with the unpredictable and debilitating effects of migraine. I used to think of self-care as a one-size-fits-all approach, but as someone who lives with migraine, I know that’s not the case. For me, self-care needs to adapt to my ever-changing energy levels and physical state. That’s why I divide my self-care into three categories: preventive, acute, and rescue. Preventive Self-Care: The Daily Grind In a…

I’ll never forget the day I walked into Dr. Y’s office for the first time. At 82 years young, he was a world away from the modern medicine I was used to. And yet, it was his old-school approach that would change my life forever. As I sat in his cozy office, surrounded by bookshelves and comfortable chairs, I couldn’t help but feel charmed by his courtly demeanor. He asked me questions about myself, and we had a real conversation – not just a series of medical queries. It was refreshing, to say the least. But what really set him…

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from migraines, you know how debilitating these headaches can be. But what if there was a way to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of your attacks? Enter preventative migraine treatments – a game-changer for many people with this condition. Preventative treatments are designed to work in tandem with acute treatments, which help alleviate symptoms during an attack. Think of it like having a double-barreled approach: you’re not just treating the symptom, but also addressing the underlying causes of your migraines. So, who might benefit from preventative treatment? The American…

As I rolled out of bed yesterday morning, I had that nagging feeling – the one that signals a migraine is lurking just around the corner. It’s not like I could pinpoint any specific symptoms, but I just felt…off. You know that weird, fuzzy sensation that makes you wonder if it’s just fatigue or something more sinister? As a chronic migraine warrior, I’ve learned to recognize these subtle signs as a warning system, signaling that my brain is about to go into overdrive and conjure up a migraine monster. And boy, did it deliver! In this case, the telltale tears…

Migraine sufferers know all too well the debilitating effects of this condition. Severe headaches, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, can be a constant companion for those living with migraines. But what’s even more frustrating is the uncertainty that comes with finding the right treatment plan. For many people, migraines become a lifelong battle, with regular attacks that can disrupt daily life, work, and social events. The good news is that there are hundreds of treatment options available to help manage symptoms. However, finding the perfect combination of therapies can be a trial-and-error process that requires patience and persistence. One…

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from migraines, you know how debilitating they can be. But what if I told you there’s a treatment that can help alleviate those pesky symptoms? Enter triptans, a class of medications specifically designed to treat migraine attacks. While triptans won’t prevent most migraines (sorry, no magic pill just yet!), they’re incredibly effective when taken at the onset of an attack. And the best part? They come in different forms, including oral tablets, nasal sprays, and injections under the skin, so you can choose the one that works best for you.…

Remember when grandma had limited options for treating her migraines? Fast forward to today, and it’s a whole new world! In just the past few decades, we’ve seen incredible breakthroughs in migraine treatment. Gone are the days of relying solely on medications designed for other conditions. Now, there are specific treatments tailored to address the root causes of migraines. Acute Relief: When Migraines Strike We all know that feeling – a sudden onset of a migraine attack. Thankfully, we have three new classes of drugs specifically designed to provide acute (or abortive) relief. These medications and devices offer a rapid…

As I reflect on this Christmas season, I’m reminded of a pivotal moment in my life – the day I discovered I had migraine disease. It’s hard to believe that it’s been an entire decade since then! Looking back, I realize how much my life has changed, but also how much I’ve grown and learned. It all started when I was just 27 years old, sitting in a doctor’s office, feeling a mix of emotions as I received my diagnosis. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of an incredible journey – one that would take me…

As I sit here in my Scottish home, surrounded by the rolling hills and rugged coastlines that I love, I’m reminded that life with migraine is never straightforward. For me, it’s been a wild ride since my mid-20s. The frequency of these pesky headaches has ebbed and flowed like the tide – from 5 or 6 per month to a whopping 10, then daily, and even 2 a day on some days! Now, after years of experimenting with different medications and natural remedies, I find myself back at square one: dealing with 4 or 5 migraines per week. I’ve learned…