Migraine is a neurological disease. Most of those affected do not notice the disease unless they encounter it in an acute attack. Migraine, especially chronic migraine, is not a simple headache, but one of the worst pain conditions that afflict people. Women in particular are very badly affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers migraine to be one of the most seriously disabling human diseases. Sometimes the attack begins with aura symptoms, which are neurological deficits such as flickering visual disturbances, difficulty finding words, speech disorders, tingling sensations, paralysis and disturbances in alertness up to unconsciousness. This is followed by the typical, mostly one-sided, stabbing, throbbing, pulsating, severe headache, which lasts up to three days and requires bed rest. The entire body is affected: those affected also suffer from nausea and/or vomiting, dizziness, exhaustion, hypersensitivity to light and noise, social isolation, despair, hopelessness and depression. Migraine is a primary disease in its own right and is not a symptom of another disorder. Those affected are neither unwilling to work, mentally ill nor are they looking for attention. They just expect not to have to justify themselves, not to be ridiculed and not to be discriminated against because of prejudices. Three affected people describe their illness in the video.
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!