Migraine is a neurological disorder. Most sufferers show no outward signs of the illness unless encountered during an acute attack. Migraine, especially chronic migraine, is not a simple headache, but one of the most debilitating pain conditions that can afflict people. Women are particularly affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies migraine as one of the most disabling diseases. Sometimes an attack begins with aura symptoms, which are neurological deficits such as visual disturbances, difficulty finding words, speech difficulties, tingling or numb sensations, paralysis, and impaired consciousness, sometimes progressing to unconsciousness. These are followed by the typical, usually one-sided, stabbing, throbbing, and severe headaches, which can last up to three days and often require bed rest. The entire body is affected: In addition, sufferers experience nausea and/or vomiting, dizziness, exhaustion, sensitivity to light and noise, social isolation, despair, hopelessness, and depression. Migraine is an independent primary illness and not a symptom of another disorder. Those affected are neither unwilling to work, mentally ill, nor seeking attention. They simply expect not to have to justify themselves, not to be ridiculed, and not to be discriminated against by prejudice. Three affected individuals describe their experience in the video.
I've had migraines since I was 11; I'm now 43. Over the last seven years, they've worsened; my threshold for migraines has become extremely low. I had attacks twice a week that lasted up to 72 hours. The triptans helped less and less; they only relieved the peaks of the pain. Now, however, things are starting to turn around. I've been on sick leave for three months and have time to introduce and establish a new lifestyle. There are various things I'm adjusting. First, I had a blood test done. For the past few weeks, I've been replenishing all the deficiencies found: iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. I also take high-dose magnesium prophylactically twice a day and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) twice a day. I see an osteopath and practice PMR daily. Two to three times a week, I go to the gym and do strength training and cardio. After each weight-bearing exercise, I relax, just like with PMR. I make sure to eat regularly and drink enough. And it's gradually starting to take effect. The intervals between attacks are getting longer, and they don't last as long. I can feel my threshold rising. I can endure more again, and dare to explore more, like having a glass of Prosecco or eating something small with histamine, without having to worry about getting another migraine. I'm back on the other track. My body is starting to cooperate instead of protesting. I'm training my autonomic nervous system to let go after activity/stress, something that's often lacking in chronic migraines: the switch to parasympathetic mode. My hope is to regulate the migraines to the point where, in the best case scenario, only the predisposition remains, or a few attacks per year like before. But one thing is clear: without being on sick leave for this long, it would have been impossible to relearn and take control again. And I'm not finished yet; it still needs to stabilize over the longer term. I haven't been this confident or had such high expectations in years! I was already talking about partial retirement or a career change! Now I suddenly have so much energy again thanks to fewer days of pain. I'm so grateful my path is finally bearing fruit!
Hello,
I have been suffering from chronic migraines for 10 years (8 years old).
First there was the diagnosis: tension headaches. But with the onset of puberty it got worse - especially under stress. Even my parents didn't take my headaches seriously for the first few years, until I started vomiting and the severe stinging made it difficult for me to carry on with my normal daily life.
I also often felt isolated because no one could understand my pain. I started missing school several times and didn't feel equal. While others had enough time to prepare for exams, I lay in bed and waited for the pain to subside. Of course, I had to catch up on everything - so it took up my free time. While others were able to go to the cinema, party and go out, I have to avoid it because it would trigger my migraines. I took beta blockers as prophylaxis for six months.
My headaches seemed to be less, the pain lessened and life easier. Then I was told that, however, the results didn't show much change.
I imagined an improvement. The prophylaxis had merely given me psychological reassurance. I'm still looking for a solution to my chronic migraines.
Hello, I have had migraines since I was a child.
For many years I have suffered from up to 25 days of migraines a month, sometimes with severe auras. On the few migraine-free days, I am completely pain-free and know how beautiful life could be. Several withdrawals from painkillers, during which I went through hell because I endured migraines without a parachute, were also unsuccessful. Otherwise, I have exhausted all medical and alternative methods and now only take metoprolol and amitriptilline. A number of concomitant illnesses preclude Botox treatment and nerve stimulation. My courage to live is now often at its lowest point. And I still have to justify myself to most people, even doctors, who think I just have a bit of a headache. That's actually the worst thing, the daily humiliation of the explanations, while the pain rages in your head and you vomit despite cravings and you have once again forgone a triptan so that you don't have to blame if a medication headache comes along with it. Luckily I have a wonderful husband. with whom I enjoy the few hours and for whom I persevere. Nevertheless, I know that I am putting a lot of strain on his life with my illness. I wish everyone affected that there might be a remedy that will relieve the pain on triptan-free days and I wish everyone better acceptance from colleagues, friends and even doctors. And I also wish you had a person at your side who knows and loves the benefits of a migraine brain.
Hello,
I've been feeling this way for 12 weeks, I feel great in the evenings, around 4 a.m. I sleep more restlessly, but unfortunately I don't wake up.
At 7 a.m. the alarm goes off and the migraine is in full swing. I have to vomit until only bile comes out. Since there are no more MCP drops, I now got Motilium drops. That helps a lot and after 20-30 minutes I take a Rizatriptan 10mg melt tablet. I have now been given beta blockers as prophylaxis. I went to specialists for pain diagnostics, they all labeled me as a depressive and wanted to prescribe me psychotropic medication, which I refused. “Yes, then I can’t help you either”… great specialists. I have 1-2 attacks a week and am now afraid for my job, my employer understands, but for how long? I just bought your book Mr. Hartmut Göbel and am already eagerly reading it. I wish everyone affected that we all finally find the right doctors who can help us!