Migraines are caused by a genetically determined sensory processing disorder. This innate heightened sensitivity to stimuli leads to episodic migraine attacks. However, it also has an impact between attacks. The nervous system of a migraine sufferer reacts particularly sensitively to rapid and excessive stimuli (e.g., stress, anger, tension, noise, light) and cannot adequately protect itself from sensory overload. Migraine sufferers do not adapt to recurring stimuli, as is usually the case. The increased reactivity of the brain results in a continuous increase in brain activity and, consequently, an energy deficit in the nerve cells. The electrical activity of the cerebral cortex is disrupted or collapses completely. The overactivity of nerve cell groups is accompanied by an uncontrolled release of neurotransmitters. As a result, a neurogenic inflammatory reaction occurs in the blood vessels of the meninges. This leads to pulsating, throbbing pain. Physical activity intensifies the pain, so bed rest is usually necessary. Another consequence is the activation of protective reflexes in the form of nausea and vomiting. In chronic migraine, the sensitization spreads both temporally and spatially.
Very good post…
I would like to share with you about your experiences regarding this.
Dear Tessa, I could have written the article... while others are still "drumbling", I want to make or have made a decision. I am 53 years old and have had migraines lasting up to 13 days a month for 46 years. The media and doctors are not interested in the topic because we suffer in silence!
Yes, the video reflects me and my headache perfectly.
Other people are far too slow to think, speak and understand for me!
These people don't understand me or my feelings. But when I think or speak normally, it often means: “I would have no structure in my thinking because I jump quickly (too quickly for anyone without this diagnosis) from one topic to another. After a short time I close the topic because it is clear to me and all that is needed is a decision. The others are then still at the first sentence and have to process it first. As my life progresses, my patience becomes less and less, which means that I am more annoyed than I was years ago. Even doctors wanted to give me medication to change my alleged structureless thinking.
Which I didn't take because it was clear to me back then that it didn't need any correction but was just right for me. Lack of understanding, even when I explained things, I was still portrayed as a malingerer. I, 64 years old, have had severe tension headaches every day for over 46 years and severe migraines with up to 18 days a month for 38 years.
In disability pension since 2005! It would be helpful (for patients with illnesses that no one can recognize from the outside) to provide information in the media so that we don't have to be in the trouble of having to explain/defend ourselves. Because understanding the vendace diagnosis (which, because it affects the quality of life so much, makes the lives of those affected a lot more difficult than without migraines or pain) might already be the start of making everyday life more bearable for patients one day.
very very good post