Common Myths About Migraines, Debunked (pegged to Migraine Awareness Month)

Migraine attacks are more than just bad headaches — and if you’re one of the millions who suffer from them, you already know that. Unfortunately, myths and misinformation about migraines can get in the way of effective treatment.

Thankfully, Bradley A. Silva, MD, and the Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center team in Kenosha, Wisconsin, are here to debunk the top five myths.

Myth #1: Migraine attacks are just bad headaches

Fact: Migraines are a complex neurological condition.

While head pain is a hallmark symptom of a migraine attack, it’s not the only symptom. Having a migraine disorder means that you might also experience nausea, visual disturbances, and light and sound sensitivity. 

About 33% of people with migraine disorder experience an aura. These visual or auditory disturbances last about 10 minutes, but the intense head pain usually follows within 60 minutes.

It’s not just the symptoms that are different. Migraine attacks don’t get treated the same way as other types of headaches. They can affect how your brain and nervous system function, often requiring specialized treatment beyond typical over-the-counter pain relief.

Myth #2: Migraines can be a one-time event

Fact: There’s a difference between a migraine attack and migraine disorder.

A migraine attack is one episode of symptoms like throbbing head pain, light sensitivity, or nausea. But if you experience these episodes regularly, you may have a migraine disorder — a chronic neurological condition that needs ongoing management. 

Understanding this distinction can help you get the correct diagnosis and long-term treatment.

Myth #3: Only women get migraine attacks

Fact: Migraine disorders affect people of all genders.

Migraine attacks can affect anyone, but they're far more common in women — affecting 20.7% of women globally compared to 9.7% of men. Hormonal and neurological factors influence the difference.

Even the triggers for migraine attacks differ between men and women. Men often experience migraine attacks from strenuous physical work, while women are more affected by lack of sleep, irregular sleep patterns, or night shifts.

Myth #4: You have to live with them

Fact: Effective treatments are available.

Dr. Silva offers various treatments designed to reduce migraine frequency and severity, and depending on your specific situation may recommend:

• Botox® injections 
• Medication management
• Guided physical therapy
• Interventional pain procedures (corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks, etc.)
• Psychotherapy

In addition to medication and interventional pain procedures, avoid your known triggers, practice good sleep hygiene, and find ways to lower your stress.

Myth #5: All people have similar triggers 

Fact: Triggers vary from person to person.

What causes a migraine for one person, like stress, caffeine, or weather changes, might not be a factor for someone else. 

Start a symptom diary if you’re unsure what your specific triggers are. Note the weather, what you ate, how you slept, and your stress levels, physical activity, and hormonal changes. You may start to see patterns.

Take the next step to migraine relief

Migraines don’t have to control your life. At Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center, Dr. Silva works with you to uncover the source of your symptoms and recommend treatments that provide lasting relief.

Don’t let migraine myths keep you from getting the help you deserve; schedule your consultation today.

Do you prefer to chat? Give us a ring at 262-484-4035.