Have you ever pushed through a work meeting with a pounding headache, canceled plans because the pain was too much or spent an entire day in a dark room waiting for symptoms to pass?
For millions of people, headaches and migraines are more than an occasional inconvenience. They can disrupt careers, family time, social activities and overall quality of life.
June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about these often misunderstood conditions and encourage those who are struggling to seek help.
One of the biggest misconceptions about migraine is that it's simply a bad headache. In reality, migraine is a neurological condition that can cause symptoms far beyond head pain. Some people experience nausea, dizziness, vision changes, sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue or difficulty concentrating. For many, symptoms can last for hours or even days.
Headaches can also take many forms. Tension headaches may feel like a tight band around the head, while cluster headaches can cause intense pain around one eye. Triggers vary from person to person and may include stress, changes in sleep patterns, dehydration, certain foods, hormonal fluctuations or prolonged screen time.
The good news is that you don't have to live with frequent headaches.
Many people assume recurring pain is something they simply need to manage on their own. However, advances in headache and migraine treatment have provided new options that can help reduce symptoms and improve daily life.
If headaches are becoming more frequent, more severe or interfering with work, school or personal activities, it may be time to talk with your provider. Seeking care is especially important if symptoms are changing or accompanied by vision problems, weakness, numbness or other neurological concerns.
Finding relief often involves more than one specialty. While the Department of Neurology plays a central role in diagnosing and treating headache disorders, patients may also benefit from care provided by Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Interventional Pain Management, Pain & Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy and other specialists who can help identify contributing factors and create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Don't Let Headaches Control Your Life
You shouldn't have to plan your day around pain.
This Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, take the first step toward answers and relief. The Department of Neurology provides expert evaluation and personalized treatment options to help patients better manage migraine and headache disorders.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact the Department of Neurology or speak with your healthcare provider about additional services available. Relief starts with a conversation.