Imagine trying to go about your day, working, running your errands, or simply enjoying your weekend when a migraine hits. The intense pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound can leave you feeling powerless and drained. For millions, this isn’t just a fleeting headache, but a constant debilitating battle. Yet, despite its impact, many still underestimate the severity of migraines and their grip on everyday life.
Migraines are more than just a bad headache. If you’ve ever brushed off your migraine as “just a bad headache”, you’re not alone. Many people, even those who suffer from chronic migraines, don’t realise the neurological nature of the condition. Migraines are intense, often incapacitating, and they don’t just affect your head. They can leave you lying in bed for hours, unable to perform even the simplest of tasks.
Migraines are often confused with other types of headaches, leading to misdiagnosis. Unlike tension headaches or cluster headaches, migraines have a unique set of triggers, and their impact on daily life can be severe. For those living with migraines, the unpredictability of attacks can make it difficult to plan daily activities, leading to decreased productivity, social isolation, and even depression.
Migraine attacks are three times more common in women than men. Hormonal changes, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, are significant triggers for many women, making them more susceptible to migraines during these times. But it’s not just about hormones. The pressures of managing careers, family responsibilities, and societal expectations often lead to heightened stress, which is another major migraine trigger.
Nearly 50% of people living with chronic migraines don’t seek medical treatment. This is often due to the stigma surrounding the condition or the misconception that migraines are simply “just a headache”, which leads to many sufferers attempting to manage their condition on their own instead of seeking professional care.
More children and teenagers are now experiencing migraines. The rise in screen time, lack of sleep, academic stress, and poor posture from excessive device use have all been linked to an increase in migraine cases among young people. If left unaddressed, these migraines can continue into adulthood, affecting education, career choices, and overall quality of life.
Living with migraines doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. There are concrete steps you can take to manage or prevent migraine attacks.
If you’re among the millions who suffer from migraines, it’s time to take action. Seek professional help, explore treatment options and make lifestyle changes to reduce migraine frequency and severity. With the right approach, you can regain control and start living without the constant fear of the next attack. Don’t wait and start taking steps toward a migraine-free life today.
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
Dr Zhao Yi Jing
Medical Director
Zhao Neurology & Headache Clinic