Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, highlights the many myths around migraines to promote better understanding and support for those affected.
“Migraines are complex neurological disorders, and their exact causes and mechanisms are still not fully understood. This lack of comprehensive knowledge often leads to misconceptions about the condition,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“To address these misconceptions, promoting public education, increasing awareness, and fostering open conversations about migraines is crucial.”
Affinity Health presents eight common myths and corresponding facts about migraines.
Myth: Migraines are just severe headaches
Fact: Migraines are more than just headaches. They are a complex neurological disorder characterised by intense, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may require specialised treatment.
Myth: Migraines are caused by stress alone
Fact: While stress can trigger migraines in some individuals, the causes of migraines are multifactorial and can vary from person to person. Other common triggers include hormonal changes, certain foods, lack of sleep, environmental factors, and genetic predisposition. Identifying individual triggers can help in managing migraines effectively.
Myth: Only women experience migraines
Fact: Migraines do affect women more commonly than men, but they can occur in individuals of any gender and at any age. Women often experience migraines related to hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy, but men can also suffer from debilitating migraines.
Myth: Migraines are not a severe medical condition
Fact: Migraines are a legitimate medical condition that can significantly impact a person’s daily life. They are classified as neurological disorders by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are recognised as one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Migraines can result in missed work or school days, decreased productivity, and impaired social functioning.
Myth: Medications can cure migraines completely.
Fact: While medications can help manage migraines and reduce their frequency and intensity, there is currently no known cure. Treatment approaches often involve a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques. Migraine management is a personalised process that may require ongoing support from healthcare professionals.
Myth: Migraines are all the same
Fact: Migraines can manifest differently from person to person. There are various subtypes of migraines. Migraines without aura involve severe headache pain accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound—migraines with aura present warning signs, such as visual disturbances or tingling sensations. Hormonal fluctuations trigger menstrual migraines. Chronic migraines occur 15 or more days per month, while Hemiplegic migraines involve temporary paralysis or weakness.
Myth: Migraines can be prevented by avoiding triggers
Fact: While identifying and avoiding triggers can help manage migraines, it may not completely prevent their occurrence. Triggers can vary widely among individuals, and some triggers are difficult to avoid altogether. Employing a multifaceted approach that includes trigger management, stress reduction, and proper medical guidance is often necessary. Affinity Health suggests writing down your triggers in a headache diary. When you visit your healthcare provider, taking this information with you helps them find headache management strategies.
Myth: Migraines are just a normal part of life; there’s nothing you can do.
Fact: Migraines should not be dismissed as an inevitable part of life. Effective migraine management is possible with the help of healthcare professionals. Seeking medical advice, understanding individual triggers, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and exploring various treatment options can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with migraines.
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.