Oh my gosh, I never knew a migraine could mimic a stroke! Wild. I feel very lucky to not experience migraines. I rarely ever even get a headache. That’s sort of cool and interesting about the hallucinations though.
I think of migraines as my Achilles heel because it seems like any vulnerability can trigger one -- too much sodium, not enough sodium, jet lag, weather (100%!), poor sleep, hormones, stress, viruses, the list goes on. Thank you for starting the conversation here! Excited to read more.
The “triggers” conversation is one I definitely want to get into more. Because this idea that something triggers it makes seem like it is something we can control. But that really isn’t the way it works. Many of the things we think of as triggers might actually be part of the warning sign. It is sort of a what came first the chicken or the egg kind of situation.
Interesting. I've been trying to make sense of mine for years and can 100% see labeling triggers as an attempt to have some control -- but at the end of the day I still have no clue. Looking forward to your future posts!
I read the other day on an insert about triggers from the migraine trust (here in the uk) that “the migraine brain likes balance”.
Rebalancing my hormones was a journey I got on board with from 2018/19. It was a long road. Def no overnight quick fixes. But in that time, it’s taken me far and it sure is a much better life and way of living in the long run.
Balance. That is really interesting. There is certainly usually something I can point to as being out of equilibrium in my body/mind when I'm getting them, whether it's sleep, stress or even allergies or hormones. Always some sort of disturbance in the field...
over time, I’ve slowly slowly restored (at least) some level of balance (not perfectly).
I’ve recently launched a new podcast, Your Migraine Story Matters. Let me know if you’d like to arrange a zoom chat with a view to recording an episode and sharing a bit more about your story.
I've had migraines since I was 3-4 years old...back when doctors didn't believe kids could have migraines. So many days spent in a dark room with a cold cloth on my forehead. It's helpful to know we're not alone - although I wish no one had to experience that pain.
I had one migraine that looked like a stroke last year. For the first time ever. It was so horrifying that I called an ambulance because I really thought I was having a stroke!! I was so scared like never in my life but also angry for the disbelief of doctors. Thank you for writing about it, now I know I'm not the only one. 💜
Oh, you are not the only one at all. There is a wonderful TikToker called Migraine Babe who does TikToks about her journey and she shares a wealth of information.
I experienced a lot of anger over all the gaslighting and dismissal too. I’m trying to create space for it so I don’t project it - or suppress it. I’ve recently noticed I can get caught up in the blame game and I want to move away from that. How do you process yours?
I don’t let myself get caught up in the “drama” of a medical gaslighting situation. If a doctor treats me poorly, I am not going back. Period. I don’t dwell on it, I just move on. I turn on that person like I would a toxic friend. It took a long time to get here. I avoided medical care for many years because of medical gaslighting. But I deserve to be treated with respect and I will continue to seek out a treatment team that will treat me well.
I’m grateful I’ve never suffered but I’ve worked with two people in particular who suffered horrifically. The way you present this, the vivid way you articulate the experience is truly insightful and has helped greatly in understanding the suffering and pain of those of you who go through this. Thanks for the courage to share your experience.
Quick fixes for migraine? There are no easy answers unfortunately. What works for me may not work for someone else. What helps today may not work tomorrow.
I’m an audiologist and one of my specialty areas is vestibular/balance. There is a pathology that has been historically over-diagnosed called Meniere’s Disease which is a condition that causes episodic vertigo/spinning sensation with association symptoms. It has been found that Vestibular migraines are far more common than Meniere’s and treating patients for migraine dramatically improve symptoms when classic Meniere’s is not likely/ruled out. Episodic vertigo is yet another symptom of migraine that most people are unaware of.
Great post!
One of my favorite books to recommend to anyone with migraines is called Heal Your Headache The 1-2-3 Method. Highly recommend if you haven’t read yet.
I definitely experience a lot of vertigo and have actually had physical therapy to help me combat it. I have read that book and it does have a lot of useful information. Thank you.
I am still at the point of having them daily. Unfortunately, I think this is my normal. I am more managed as in my pain is easier to control so I will take it.
I didn’t know this to be the case, very insightful. I host a migraine podcast on here, Your Migraine Story Matters. I’m interviewing a couple of neurologists/functional doctors as well as (mainly) sharing migraine patient stories. Let me know if you’d love to come on as a guest and chat about this. I’d love you to.
This!! I get vestibular migraines. At first, doctors thought it was BPPV, because some of my migraines don’t have pain. I will definitely check out the book you mentioned. Thank you! 😊
This article really resonates with me. I’ve suffered from migraines for most of my adult life, and it’s incredible (and a little validating) to see how complex and misunderstood they truly are. The points about heightened smell sensitivity and weather changes especially hit home for me-those have been such consistent triggers. For me, symptoms like nausea and vomiting can make migraines completely debilitating. Thank you for shedding light on this
There are 40 million migraine sufferers in the United States alone. You are definitely not alone! Get involved with some organizations like Miles for Migraine and you will start to build a community around you of people that understand.
Thank you for reading my post and for your kind words.
I am glad you found what seemed to be your cause. For most people, myself included, it isn’t as simple as figuring out a trigger and not doing that thing.
It was not one trigger -- I worked with my genetic SNPS, diet, acupuncture, chiropractors and balanced my deficiencies and hormones and my emotional blockages-- it was a long process
Oh I’m sure it was a very long and agonizing process. I have done many of those things and ruled out several things along the way. I just can’t seem to figure out how to get away from this pesky trigger called the weather! 😂🤣😂 It is my main trigger.
SNPs are when the enzymes needed to convert something to make the gene work properly need some help. They could either need a boost of certain nutrients or may require a certain form of a supplement.
Your description of this should be communicated to all of the people around those who have them, so they would understand what a challenge it is to function.
I used to get migraines that thankfully stopped coming over a decade ago. Mine were not the worst, but definitely impaired my ability to do the most simple things.
Hi! I know from my own experience the NR. 1 and 4. About 2 I have already heard. I was really surprised by the nr. 3 and you are right: Migraine are definitively not "just a headache"! Thank you for the work you do! 💐
Interesting. I have never had a migraine but my partner gets them at least once a week. He sees flashing lights as a signal ones coming. I do know when a storm is coming because I get stabbing pains in my head. Thank you for this fascinating information.
Alas no. I can live with mine as they are only very short. My partner has found that shutting his eyes and staying out of the light as soon as he gets the sign helps a lot. He doesn’t fight it any more, it just moves through him.
Migraine definitely has a way of isolating you. I do hope you are finding some treatments that are helping to make life better.
Oh my gosh, I never knew a migraine could mimic a stroke! Wild. I feel very lucky to not experience migraines. I rarely ever even get a headache. That’s sort of cool and interesting about the hallucinations though.
yes! It is very scary especially when you actually have a real stroke and the lines between what is a real stroke and a Migraine becomes blurred.
Omg I didn’t even think about that.
I always have paracetamol as for when my migraine attacks❤❤
I think of migraines as my Achilles heel because it seems like any vulnerability can trigger one -- too much sodium, not enough sodium, jet lag, weather (100%!), poor sleep, hormones, stress, viruses, the list goes on. Thank you for starting the conversation here! Excited to read more.
The “triggers” conversation is one I definitely want to get into more. Because this idea that something triggers it makes seem like it is something we can control. But that really isn’t the way it works. Many of the things we think of as triggers might actually be part of the warning sign. It is sort of a what came first the chicken or the egg kind of situation.
Interesting. I've been trying to make sense of mine for years and can 100% see labeling triggers as an attempt to have some control -- but at the end of the day I still have no clue. Looking forward to your future posts!
You just put into words why I feel a certain kind of way when I hear the word “triggers”. Weather changes are big for me too 😞
I read the other day on an insert about triggers from the migraine trust (here in the uk) that “the migraine brain likes balance”.
Rebalancing my hormones was a journey I got on board with from 2018/19. It was a long road. Def no overnight quick fixes. But in that time, it’s taken me far and it sure is a much better life and way of living in the long run.
Balance. That is really interesting. There is certainly usually something I can point to as being out of equilibrium in my body/mind when I'm getting them, whether it's sleep, stress or even allergies or hormones. Always some sort of disturbance in the field...
Yep, same here🙃
over time, I’ve slowly slowly restored (at least) some level of balance (not perfectly).
I’ve recently launched a new podcast, Your Migraine Story Matters. Let me know if you’d like to arrange a zoom chat with a view to recording an episode and sharing a bit more about your story.
Sure, happy to!
I've had migraines since I was 3-4 years old...back when doctors didn't believe kids could have migraines. So many days spent in a dark room with a cold cloth on my forehead. It's helpful to know we're not alone - although I wish no one had to experience that pain.
Oh goodness. I’m thankful that my childhood didn’t include them at least. I hope you have found some treatments that work for you.
I had one migraine that looked like a stroke last year. For the first time ever. It was so horrifying that I called an ambulance because I really thought I was having a stroke!! I was so scared like never in my life but also angry for the disbelief of doctors. Thank you for writing about it, now I know I'm not the only one. 💜
Oh, you are not the only one at all. There is a wonderful TikToker called Migraine Babe who does TikToks about her journey and she shares a wealth of information.
I experienced a lot of anger over all the gaslighting and dismissal too. I’m trying to create space for it so I don’t project it - or suppress it. I’ve recently noticed I can get caught up in the blame game and I want to move away from that. How do you process yours?
I don’t let myself get caught up in the “drama” of a medical gaslighting situation. If a doctor treats me poorly, I am not going back. Period. I don’t dwell on it, I just move on. I turn on that person like I would a toxic friend. It took a long time to get here. I avoided medical care for many years because of medical gaslighting. But I deserve to be treated with respect and I will continue to seek out a treatment team that will treat me well.
I love that recognition “I deserve to be treated with respect”🩵
Took me a long time to get to where i am too ☺️ what a journey to be on.
I’m grateful I’ve never suffered but I’ve worked with two people in particular who suffered horrifically. The way you present this, the vivid way you articulate the experience is truly insightful and has helped greatly in understanding the suffering and pain of those of you who go through this. Thanks for the courage to share your experience.
Wow! Thanks for this it truly means a lot!
Migraine is such a horrible experience.
Thank you for sharing these.
What are your best quick fixes?
Quick fixes for migraine? There are no easy answers unfortunately. What works for me may not work for someone else. What helps today may not work tomorrow.
Now, that’s a dilemma.
I’m an audiologist and one of my specialty areas is vestibular/balance. There is a pathology that has been historically over-diagnosed called Meniere’s Disease which is a condition that causes episodic vertigo/spinning sensation with association symptoms. It has been found that Vestibular migraines are far more common than Meniere’s and treating patients for migraine dramatically improve symptoms when classic Meniere’s is not likely/ruled out. Episodic vertigo is yet another symptom of migraine that most people are unaware of.
Great post!
One of my favorite books to recommend to anyone with migraines is called Heal Your Headache The 1-2-3 Method. Highly recommend if you haven’t read yet.
I definitely experience a lot of vertigo and have actually had physical therapy to help me combat it. I have read that book and it does have a lot of useful information. Thank you.
Looking forward to reading more of your content. Has management of your migraines improved over time?
I am still at the point of having them daily. Unfortunately, I think this is my normal. I am more managed as in my pain is easier to control so I will take it.
Maybe we can chat more sometime just in case there are other unexplored opportunities
I didn’t know this to be the case, very insightful. I host a migraine podcast on here, Your Migraine Story Matters. I’m interviewing a couple of neurologists/functional doctors as well as (mainly) sharing migraine patient stories. Let me know if you’d love to come on as a guest and chat about this. I’d love you to.
Sounds great Amber! Shoot me a message and we can work to get something set up.
Done🙂 let’s get a date booked in🤩
This!! I get vestibular migraines. At first, doctors thought it was BPPV, because some of my migraines don’t have pain. I will definitely check out the book you mentioned. Thank you! 😊
This article really resonates with me. I’ve suffered from migraines for most of my adult life, and it’s incredible (and a little validating) to see how complex and misunderstood they truly are. The points about heightened smell sensitivity and weather changes especially hit home for me-those have been such consistent triggers. For me, symptoms like nausea and vomiting can make migraines completely debilitating. Thank you for shedding light on this
There are 40 million migraine sufferers in the United States alone. You are definitely not alone! Get involved with some organizations like Miles for Migraine and you will start to build a community around you of people that understand.
Thank you for reading my post and for your kind words.
I suffered from migraines for 5 years. It took that long to figure out the triggers! I feel for anyone going through this
I am glad you found what seemed to be your cause. For most people, myself included, it isn’t as simple as figuring out a trigger and not doing that thing.
It was not one trigger -- I worked with my genetic SNPS, diet, acupuncture, chiropractors and balanced my deficiencies and hormones and my emotional blockages-- it was a long process
Oh I’m sure it was a very long and agonizing process. I have done many of those things and ruled out several things along the way. I just can’t seem to figure out how to get away from this pesky trigger called the weather! 😂🤣😂 It is my main trigger.
Have you looked into gene testing? Some of those with SNPs can be impacted by weather because they affect methylation.
I have had the genetic testing but I am not familiar with the term SNPs.
SNPs are when the enzymes needed to convert something to make the gene work properly need some help. They could either need a boost of certain nutrients or may require a certain form of a supplement.
Your description of this should be communicated to all of the people around those who have them, so they would understand what a challenge it is to function.
I used to get migraines that thankfully stopped coming over a decade ago. Mine were not the worst, but definitely impaired my ability to do the most simple things.
Thank you! That is my goal! To spread awareness about Migraine to all who will listen!
wow, I didn't know. thank you for sharing this!
Thank you for your comment. My goal is to spread awareness about Migraine.
Hi! I know from my own experience the NR. 1 and 4. About 2 I have already heard. I was really surprised by the nr. 3 and you are right: Migraine are definitively not "just a headache"! Thank you for the work you do! 💐
Thank you for reading my post and for your comment. Migraine is a complex disease that is very misunderstood and I am hoping to spread awareness.
Interesting. I have never had a migraine but my partner gets them at least once a week. He sees flashing lights as a signal ones coming. I do know when a storm is coming because I get stabbing pains in my head. Thank you for this fascinating information.
It is such a complex disease. I hope you have both found some treatments that have helped you.
Alas no. I can live with mine as they are only very short. My partner has found that shutting his eyes and staying out of the light as soon as he gets the sign helps a lot. He doesn’t fight it any more, it just moves through him.
A few very close friends of mine suffer from migraines. For one the trigger is literally her hormones.
Yes, and those triggers can be difficult to get control of. My main one is the weather. How do I escape that? 😂