10 Migraine Misunderstandings That You Need to Clear

We all know someone in our family who suffers from migraines, and many times we just brush it off as another headache. Migraines are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, despite a BILLION people (12-15%) suffering from it globally.

If you haven’t experienced one before, it’s more than a headache, it’s a neurological condition that can disrupt your day to day function in ways other people cannot see.

In this blog, let’s bust 10 common migraine myths and replace misunderstanding with awareness, empathy, and better conversations around this often invisible illness.

Let’s start with the most common misconception: that a migraine is just a really bad headache. In reality, a headache is only one symptom of a migraine, and it’s not even a required one. Migraines are a neurological disorder that involves nerve pathways and brain chemicals. Along with pain, they can bring nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, and smell, dizziness, visual disturbances, and even temporary speech or motor problems.

Let’s keep it simple. A migraine is not “just a headache”. It’s a full-body experience.

It’s true that women are more likely to get migraines. In fact, they’re three times more likely than men, mainly due to hormonal changes. But that doesn’t mean men don’t get them at all. Men, children, and even infants can suffer from migraines.

This myth can cause men to underreport symptoms or delay diagnosis, which leads to unnecessary suffering. Migraines don’t discriminate, and they can affect anyone.

Stress is a well-known migraine trigger, but it’s not the only one. Migraine triggers vary widely and can include:

• Hormonal changes

• Sleep disturbances

• Certain foods (like aged cheese, chocolate, processed meats)

• Caffeine (too much or too little)

• Weather changes

• Strong smells

• Bright or flickering lights

If you suffer from migraine, understanding your personal triggers will help you manage migraines properly and that often takes time as you’ll be doing a lot of tracking.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like Dolo 650 or Paracetamol might help some people during the early stages of a migraine. But for many others, these medicines are ineffective, especially if they are taken too late or if the migraine is severe.

Some people need prescription medications like Sumitriptan, CGRP inhibitors, or even preventatives like beta-blockers or anticonvulsants. There’s no “one-pill-fits-all” approach. Treatment must be tailored, many times through trial and error.

This is a dangerous one. Migraines can be debilitating and disabling. The World Health Organisation classifies severe migraine as among the top 10 causes of years lived with disability worldwide.

Other than the physical pain, migraines can impact work, relationships, parenting, and mental health. Some people live in fear of the next attack, cancelling plans or avoiding activities altogether. They’re not “just a headache.” They’re a chronic, life-altering condition.

If only it were that simple. For most people, trying to hustle out of a migraine usually makes it worse. Imagine trying to work, drive, or care for your child while feeling like your head is being squeezed in, the lights are too bright, every sound is too loud, and you feel nauseous or dizzy.

What migraine sufferers actually need is rest, quiet, darkness, and sometimes medication, not more pressure to push through.

This is a harmful stereotype as it contributes to even more stigma and shame. Because migraines are invisible and hard to “prove,” some people assume they’re an excuse. But the reality is usually the opposite, People who suffer from migraine often push themselves to attend work or school even when they’re unwell.

The unpredictability of migraines makes them hard to plan around, which can make it hard to maintain relationships and careers.

Aura isn’t what you think it is. It’s a set of visual, sensory, or speech disturbances that come before a migraine attack. Flashing lights, blind spots, tingling in the hands or face, and trouble speaking are all part of it, but not everyone experiences this aura.

In fact, only about 25-30% of migraine sufferers experience aura. And some people may have an aura without any head pain at all, which makes the diagnosis all the more tricky.

Some people experience attacks with really bad head pain, while others may feel dizzy, nauseous or weak. The duration, symptoms, severity, and recovery time vary from person to person and even from attack to attack.

There are also different types of migraines, including:

• Migraine with aura

• Migraine without aura

• Hemiplegic migraine (which mimics stroke symptoms)

• Chronic migraine (15+ headache days/month)

The wide spectrum of migraine experiences is exactly why empathy and awareness are so important.

Migraine treatment is not one-size-fits-all. What works wonders for one person might not be effective for another. Some people respond well to medications while others might find relief through dietary changes or mindfulness practices. Some need a combination of all of it.

Managing migraines is about finding the right mix of medical support, lifestyle changes, and coping tools. And it takes patience. The key is to work with a healthcare provider who takes your symptoms seriously and is willing to explore multiple options with you.

Migraines are like Trump’s tariffs, they’re real, and not going for a while. So it’s all about living with them, and showing empathy towards people who suffer from this debilitating condition. If you or someone you know experiences migraines, know this: you’re not alone, and your pain is valid. Keep advocating for yourself. Better awareness leads to better care, better support, and ultimately, a better life.

Q. What is the difference between a migraine and a normal tension headache?

A. The main difference between a migraine and a tension headache, is the intensity, associated symptoms and quality of pain. What is well known is that a tension headache while causing intense pain does not reach anywhere near a migraine.

Q. Can you enumerate what a migraine is?

A. Migraine goes beyond just a bad headache. It is a neurological condition, characterized by intense throbbing pain, often on just one side of the head. There are symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and occasionally visual disturbances.

Q. Okay, but what causes a migraine?

A. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but migraines are thought to involve abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels. Common triggers include:

• Stress

• Hormonal changes (especially in women)

• Certain foods and drinks (e.g., aged cheese, alcohol, caffeine)

• Lack of sleep

• Weather changes

• Strong smells or bright lights

Q. How are migraines diagnosed?

A. Migraines are typically diagnosed based on a patient’s medical history, symptoms, and a physical and neurological exam. There’s no specific test for migraines, but doctors may order imaging (like an MRI or CT scan) to rule out other causes if the symptoms are unusual or severe.

Q. Can I prevent a migraine?

A. While it is not humanely possible to prevent all migraines, certain strategies can reduce their frequency and intensity. These include identifying and avoiding triggers, managing stress, maintaining regular sleep and eating schedules, and staying hydrated.