Anyone who has ever had a migraine attack understands how debilitating it can be. The experience is not made easier when you’re faced with a ton of questions latent with misconceptions that the general public holds about this illness. There is still a lot to be understood about this misunderstood condition, to make matters worse. This article talks about some common misconceptions and facts about migraine to help spread awareness.

Myth or fact: Migraine is just a headache
Myth. Migraines are a type of headache, but they can’t be classified as simple headaches. Migraine episodes may be accompanied by light sensitivity, nausea, aura, pulsating pain, etc. Migraine is more appropriately classified as a neurological disease that can cause functional changes in the brain. Migraine may or may not present itself in the form of a headache, and it often shows other neurological signs that help in its diagnosis.

Myth or fact: Caffeine causes migraine
Myth. Caffeine can certainly act as a trigger for headaches or migraine in some patients. However, it cannot be labeled as a causative agent in the grand scheme. Most treatment options prescribed by doctors contain caffeine to help reduce headaches. Some patients even prefer drinking caffeinated beverages at the start of a migraine attack, as it often helps lower the severity of the episode. However, caffeine overconsumption headaches can occur if individuals are pumped up on caffeine.

Myth or fact: Migraine with an aura is an actual migraine
Myth. Aura is not a compulsory accompaniment to migraine attacks or episodes. Whether or not an aura accompanies a migraine can be a determining factor in the treatment plan for the patient. However, it does contribute to the authenticity of a migraine. Patients who experience migraines with aura don’t always do so. They can have pretty severe episodes without aura.

Myth or fact: Migraine causes permanent structural brain damage
In a 2013 study, it was observed that the lesions found in the brain’s white matter were not associated with migraine. On the other hand, another study revealed that patients with migraine were at a significantly greater risk of developing brain lesions. However, the jury is still out on this one. While there is limited evidence to support the case, medical researchers and professionals are trying to find a conclusion. Whether or not migraines cause permanent structural damage and functional damage to the brain is yet to be determined.