Right. I want to get one thing straight. A migraine is NOT a headache.
I know, I sound like a broken record but I won’t shut up until this is common knowledge.
A migraine is a neurological disorder and a headache is just one of the many symptoms which may occur during a migraine attack.
It’s like when you have a cold, a symptom of that cold may well be a runny nose but a runny nose is not a cold.
So, can we please stop thinking of migraines as headaches.
A migraine can consist of many symptoms;
- Head pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Exhaustion
- Numbness
- Distorted vision
- Affected smell
- Temporary paralysis
- Sensitivity to light, sound and smell
Not only are you left in extreme pain and sometimes want to smash your head against a wall but the next day (if you’re lucky) you’re utterly shattered. It drains you of every bit of energy.
The only positive element I could take from suffering from migraines is how ravenous I am the day after it’s gone and how wonderful it feels to be rid of the pain.
I really do feel as though I could take on the world once it’s gone. It’s as though I’m wide awake, at least brain-wise, physically I’m shattered but it’s wonderful to feel no pain.
A focused mind, shattered body.
I wonder if anyone feels that way all of the time, some people must. I tend to be in pain at least 95% of my time but the day after a migraine I’m pain-free. I can totally see how people become addicted to painkillers.
I just want people to realise that this is a medical condition, one which affects many different parts of the body and not just the head. It is not just a headache, it’s not even a type of headache. Head pain is just one possible symptom of a migraine.
Also, if you’ve never experienced a migraine then please do not try to give advice on how someone should cope with theirs. Taking a couple of paracetamol is not going to shift a migraine attack.
Once a migraine kicks in for me all of my energy, what’s left of it, will be focused on getting through whatever situation I am in as quickly as possible so I can get home and die quietly so I will not be able to put coherent sentences together and I may throw up on you. Sorry.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this public service announcement. Please be kind to migraine sufferers, otherwise, they will kill you and they won’t be held responsible for their actions… 😀
To get it right, be born with luck or else make it. – Ruth Gordon
Made A Hames 