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.
Great post. The video perfectly describes my life with migraines. I've had them for over 20 years. Thank you!
Excellent post…
I would like to exchange experiences with them regarding this matter.
Dear Tessa, I could have written this article myself… while others are still "unraveling" the issue, I want to make a decision, or have already made one. I am 53 years old and have suffered from migraines for 46 years, up to 13 days a month. The media and even doctors aren't interested in the topic because we suffer in silence!
Yes, the video perfectly reflects me and my headache.
Other people are far too slow for me in their thinking, speaking, and understanding! These people don't understand me or my feelings. But when I think or speak normally, I'm often told: "I supposedly lack structure in my thinking because I jump quickly (too quickly for anyone without this diagnosis) from one topic to another. I close a topic after a short time because it's clear to me and, for example, only requires a decision. Others are still on the first sentence and have to process it first." My patience has diminished over the course of my life, which leads to me being more irritable than I was years ago.
Even doctors wanted to prescribe medication to change my supposedly unstructured thinking. But I didn't take it because I already knew back then that it didn't need any correction; it was the right way for me. There was a lack of understanding; even when I explained things, I was still labeled a malingerer.
I'm 64 years old, have had severe tension headaches daily for over 46 years, and severe migraines for 38 years, with up to 18 days a month. I've been on disability pension since 2005!
It would be helpful (for patients with illnesses that no one from (which can be recognized externally) to conduct public education in the media so that we don't find ourselves in the difficult position of having to explain or defend ourselves. Because with an understanding of the diagnosis of migraine (which so severely impairs quality of life, making life considerably more difficult for those affected than without migraines or pain), perhaps a start could already be made so that everyday life becomes more bearable for patients one day.
Very, very good post