The Importance of Migraine Education
If you’ve read my previous migraine blogs here on WebMD or on my personal website, then you know how I feel about knowledge. If you aren’t familiar with my stance on being in the know, then you’re about to find out a lot about what makes me tick. Rumor has it knowledge is equal to power and I’m in complete agreement with such claims. My brain disorder, aka migraine, held me hostage until knowledge broke me free -- one piece of information at a time.
In the late ‘80s, my own ignorance prevented me from defending myself against workplace injustice. Co-workers judged my inability to function with a “headache” and bosses accused me of abusing the company sick leave policy. I allowed my peers and superiors to label me as weak and unethical. I didn’t know I had a defense against misconceptions and discrimination back then.
I couldn’t educate them about my illness because I hadn’t educated myself.
Friends believed I thought myself into headaches and many family members chose to look the other way as I retreated into the image others chose for me. Before I understood migraine, I allowed it to steal time from my life, gaining power as it affected relationships, work, and my mental health.
I didn’t want to be a victim, so I needed to fight back. Knowledge is the sharpest weapon against my incurable disease and the misconceptions that surround it. Migraine illness can’t be defeated, but containment is possible with the power derived from knowing my enemy and knowing my rights.
Once my diagnosis occurred sometime in the ’90s, I was given one treatment option -- Imitrex injections. The shots worked well and worked fast but were painful to my leg and to my wallet. I initiated discussions with my doctor and my pharmacist many times and found out favorable changes were on the way.
Pills and nasal sprays became an option. Generic brands entered the scene, and I was introduced to preventative medication. Treatment became easier, more customizable to my version of migraine, and more affordable to my pocketbook. Now, I continue to seek out tips from other migraine warriors and keep an eye on scientific advancements in medicine.
Determining my specific triggers didn’t happen overnight. Through seminars, internet searches, conversations with my doctor, and a lot of trial and error, I sifted out the noise and discovered my triggers. Now, I can manage my illness with a preventative plan to avoid exposure to my known episode causes.
Despite my best efforts to siphon hope from victorious migraine-free days, in the worst part of a migraine attack I still find myself feeling powerless and alone. Some battles are won and some are lost. One thing is certain: The journey is long and my pursuit of migraine knowledge is never done.
Migraine evolves through the stages of life from puberty to menopause and beyond. I must remain diligent in observing the subtle changes in trigger and symptom patterns. I must continue to seek out information about new treatment options. I must continue to connect with my fellow migraine warriors and try to share my knowledge with whoever will listen.
Knowledge teaches the mind, enlightens the soul, and brings to light lost faith. Knowledge frees the body from the chains of ignorance and joins together an army of lone warriors. The pathway through knowledge to a better life doesn’t have to be traveled alone.
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Originally published on WebMD.com on 3/14/2022.
