Migraine attacks are undoubtedly one of the most prevalent health complaints in the U.S. However, many people are utterly clueless about several migraine facts. For example, not many patients know about silent migraine or its symptoms. Are you among these individuals? If you find yourself stuck in a similar situation, you likely have difficulty coping during a migraine episode. 

Let’s help you turn things around by giving you a list of 15 rarely discussed facts about migraines. Hopefully, with additional insights on migraine attacks, you can lessen the impact of your episodes on your overall wellbeing.    

#1 - Migraines can cause disabling pain 

If you regularly experience migraine pain, you may already know the crippling symptoms that manifest during a typical episode. However, did you know that some migraineurs experience extreme symptoms that render them bed-ridden? And the worst part for these patients is that even the most minor things trigger their attacks.    

We suggest staying away from your migraine triggers if you experience excruciating headaches and other migraine symptoms. For example, you might find it helpful to avoid bright lights or loud sounds. We also recommend tracking everything about your migraines, like how often you experience them in a week and how bad they get. 

#2 - More than a billion people have migraine episodes

The latest statistics report that around one billion people have migraine symptoms. It is a complex neurological problem known to cause decreased work productivity, company revenue loss, increased healthcare expenses, and other issues.  

#3 - Migraine can attack at least twice a month

On average, a migraine attack can happen twice a month. However, if you have chronic migraines, you should expect to experience the symptoms for up to 15 times a month. We strongly recommend consulting with a professional so you can trace where the problem originates from and what you can do to better your symptoms. 

#4 - Up to 30 percent of migraineurs experience aura symptoms

According to the American Migraine Foundation, up to 30 percent of patients who suffer from a migraine attack have aura symptoms. A few examples of these visual or sensory disturbances include:

• Seeing hazy lines
• Vision impairment
• Pins and needles sensation
• Muscle weakness 
• Speech difficulty

#5 - Migraine can affect school-aged children 

School-aged kids can also experience crippling headaches due to a migraine episode. Notably, up to 10 percent of kids under 18 years old complain about migraine symptoms.  

#6 - Migraines don’t always have to come with aura symptoms 

While visual or sensory disturbances are common problems of migraineurs, it’s crucial to note that some patients don’t experience them. This means there may be instances when the aura symptoms don’t manifest. 

#7 - Aura symptoms are temporary

Experiencing aura symptoms can be overwhelming because they can increase your risks for injuries and accidents. But, rest assured that the symptoms will improve over time. They will gradually fade as a migraine episode reaches its end. 

#8 - Younger patients tend to experience migraines with brainstem aura more than adults

 A migraine episode with brainstem aura primarily affects kids and young adults. It can cause various symptoms, including dizziness, constipation, ataxia, tinnitus, vertigo, and slurred speech.

#9 - Silent migraine is real, so you should take it seriously

Silent migraine is not as bad as a hemiplegic migraine because it doesn’t cause noticeable pain. However, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t treat it seriously. It’s a real problem that can lead to debilitating effects. 

#10 - Hemiplegic migraines are the worst kind of migraine

In fact, a hemiplegic migraine can lead to short-term paralysis. Notably, the symptoms manifest during childhood. Many patients confuse the condition with other health conditions, including stroke and seizure. So, if you have doubts about the headaches, ataxia, pins and needles, and other symptoms you experience, we strongly recommend talking to your physician. The sooner you get diagnosed, the quicker you can find helpful remedies.  

#11 - Retinal migraines are rare and short-lived 

Retinal migraines are pretty uncommon compared to other types of migraine episodes. They are also short-lived, lasting no more than 20 minutes. Besides causing noticeable headaches, retinal migraines also cause pain and visual disturbances that only affect one eye.  

#12 - Up to 70 percent of patients who experience migraines are women

Did you know that women are predisposed to experience migraine attacks? That’s why up to 70 percent of migraineurs are women. Studies explain that this happens because of the fluctuating estrogen levels in a woman’s body. According to several findings, estrogen can decrease pain tolerance, causing women to experience more noticeable migraine symptoms than men. 

#13 - You can inherit migraines from your parents

Around 90 percent of migraineurs have family members who also suffer from the same problems. So, suppose you have a parent or sibling who experiences headaches, vertigo, nausea, ataxia, slurred speech, or other migraine symptoms. In that case, you also have a strong chance of developing the same issues. 

#14 - Postural imbalance in your cervical spine can lead to worse migraine attacks

Postural imbalance in the neck bone area can trigger migraine symptoms. Case studies explain that this happens because of the overstimulation of the brainstem. If you have misalignments in the C1 and C2 bones, we highly recommend seeing a therapist or an upper cervical doctor. This will help you eliminate the pressure on your brainstem. 

#15 - It’s possible to relieve migraines naturally

 Whether you suffer from a typical migraine episode or a silent migraine attack, it pays to explore natural remedies. One highly sought-after migraine remedy is upper cervical chiropractic. It basically aims to fix postural problems because of cervical subluxations.  

The technique works well for various age groups because it uses a very gentle and precise approach to adjusting the neck bones. Once you successfully restore your cervical spine to its original alignment, you can restore your body’s vitality and gradually get rid of the pressure on your brainstem. 

Learn more about this approach by calling a local migraine chiropractor. Feel free to book your initial C1 and C2 bone assessment so you can determine if upper cervical care applies to your situation.

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