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Is It a Migraine?

I created this post as part of a campaign by Teva Pharmaceuticals. I received an American Express gift card for participating.

Business Woman on Bed Holding Head

I have suffered from migraines for a very long time – I suspect back into my childhood. I can remember telling my mom that I had a headache that only sleep would get rid of. Since it didn’t happen too frequently, my concerned mother was convinced by the doctor telling her it was just a headache after I checked out okay. When these headaches continued into my teens and twenties, I knew it was something more. A doctor confirmed what I suspected – that these were migraines.

For me, a migraine comes out of nowhere and can usually last the day. As I became more aware, I started to suspect it had something to do with my monthly cycle. While I didn’t get one every single month, the migraine would always occur at the same point in my cycle. A migraine leaves me with nausea, sensitivity to light and pounding pain. Sometimes, it can be hard to focus my vision on something for too long when I have a migraine.

Facts about Migraines

A migraine is more than just a headache and can have a variety of components, including nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound. Each attack can feel entirely different for individuals.

  • Statistics
    • Migraines usually last between 4 and 72 hours.
    • Migraine ranks in the top 3 of the world’s most prevalent medical conditions.
    • Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from migraines, including its various characteristics.
    • About 18% of American women and 6% of men suffer from migraine.

Migraine Infographic - National Survey

Even with statistics and my guesses as to what causes my migraine – I’m still left wondering what the true trigger is. Since I never know when one is coming, it’s hard to pinpoint what led up to it. All I know is a day is almost a waste to me if I have a migraine. I can’t work well, sleep well, or do normal day-to-day activities.

This is hard to explain to my 3-year-old twins, 6-year-old son and the people that I work with. Since I work from home, it’s hard to say you have a headache and not be available. For my kids, their needs are still there along with the daily shuttling to and from activities. I just continue to try and manage as best I can – each migraine at a time. For more information on migraines visit MoreToMigraine.com.

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