Despite the fact that migraine is a fairly common disease, many still know little about its nature and causes. A migraine attack is often confused with a regular headache, and methods are offered as treatment that are categorically contraindicated in this situation. Needless to say, many do not even know that they suffer from migraines?!
In order to help you figure out where the truth is and where the lie is, estet-portal decided to debunk the 5 most famous myths about migraine and talk about its causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Myth #1: Migraine – it's just a big headache
As you know, the main manifestation of migraine is severe pain on one side of the head. Despite this, to call this condition "common headache" would be wrong.
In addition to the excruciating throbbing headache, the attack is often accompanied by:
- increased sensitivity to light, smells and sounds;
- nausea;
- vomit;
- dizziness.
Unlike regular headaches, migraines are very difficult to stop with pills. The reason for this is that during an attack, peristalsis slows down, preventing the drugs from being absorbed.
A migraine attack can last from several hours to several days. The disease can disturb both 2-3 times a year, and daily. On average, it occurs several times a month.
Myth #2: Only women get migraines
Migraine is considered to be a purely female disease. Indeed, the vast majority of registered patients (approximately 4 out of 5) – women. The reason for this is a genetic factor: vascular dystonia is usually transmitted through the female line.
Besides, the female sex hormone estrogen – he participates in the development of mediators. A hormonal imbalance disrupts the production of these substances, which leads to migraines.
However, the ratio changes with age: out of 5 patients older than 50, two – men. This is again connected with hormones: after menopause the hormonal background of a woman becomes more stable.
Myth #3: Children don't get migraines
Unfortunately, illness does not allow for age – it can disturb even a one-year-old child. The problem is that at an early age, the child cannot explain what hurts and describe the symptoms in detail. That is why it is very difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis without a comprehensive medical examination. According to recent studies, two out of 100 babies under 3 years old suffer from migraine attacks.
In school-age children, migraine occurs twice as rarely as in adults. According to statistics, 5% of children under 16 years of age have encountered such a problem at least once.
Myth #4: You have to endure a migraine attack
Of course, a migraine attack can be endured. But why?
An attack should be stopped as soon as possible – only then will the patient have a chance to avoid the peak of migraine. At the first appearance of pain, analgesics should be taken, as well as special vasodilators. In some cases, a hot bath, menthol-scented ointment, neck massage, fresh air and sleep can help relieve pain.
Only a doctor should prescribe medicines. Otherwise, you may not only not achieve any result, but also aggravate your situation.
Myth #5: Dousing with cold water helps relieve an attack
During an attack, dousing with cold water is not only impossible, but strictly contraindicated. The fact is that during a migraine, the vessels are constricted. Dousing with cold water will only aggravate the situation and cause the vessels to shrink even more.
A hot bath (preferably head-dipped) can help alleviate the attack, as mentioned above. Warm water will help the blood vessels expand and relieve some of the pain.
As you can see, there are a lot of myths about migraines. In order not to harm yourself during an attack, you should consult a doctor, undergo an examination and begin treatment. Modern medical methods allow, albeit not completely, to get rid of the disease, but to avoid painful attacks. You will find more useful information about health and beauty, about various diseases and methods of their treatment on the estet-portal.
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