Migraine Management

Migraine Management

Voices of Migraine Journeys: Personal Experiences and Insights

Three people share their experiences with the chronic condition and what they’ve learned about finding treatments that really help.

The Year of the Headache

Anikah Salim, an epidemiologist for the federal government, thought she had experienced all types of headaches until she was hit by a debilitating one in September 2014. The pain was unbearable, and no over-the-counter medication could provide relief. Salim’s headache persisted for three agonizing days, prompting her to visit the emergency room. The following year was marked by excruciating pain, sensitivity to light and sound, facial swelling, visual disturbances, and even loss of arm function. Salim was terrified, fearing the worst for her health. However, a neurologist later diagnosed her with chronic migraine with aura, shedding light on the fact that Salim had likely suffered from migraines since childhood. Despite struggling to find an effective treatment, Salim learned the importance of collaboration between different medical professionals, resulting in adjustments to her estrogen levels before her menstrual cycle, leading to quicker recoveries and improved quality of life.

Anikah Salim

Migraine Mondays

Joseph Coe, director of education and digital strategy at Global Healthy Living Foundation, had been managing his migraines since he was 14. However, he noticed a peculiar pattern: his migraines were more frequent on Mondays. Despite suggestions that work-related stress might be the culprit, Coe loved his job and eagerly awaited Mondays. His migraines also tended to subside as the work week progressed, ruling out job-related stress. The spike in migraines also occurred when Coe traveled, something he thoroughly enjoyed. Careful tracking and analysis revealed a surprising connection: coffee consumption. Cutting back on coffee triggered migraines for Coe, highlighting the complex relationship between caffeine and migraines. While caffeine can be both a trigger and a treatment, Coe’s remarkable journey involved trying various remedies, such as light-filtering glasses, massage, and even putting his head in the freezer for relief. Coe stresses the importance of paying attention to individual responses and encourages more understanding and support for migraine sufferers.

Joseph Coe

Testing a New Therapy

From the age of 6, Elizabeth Arant, a nurse in Phoenix, had been dealing with migraines. Fortunately, she received an early diagnosis and started managing her migraines adequately. However, when she entered her early teenage years, her migraine days increased dramatically, and her medication was no longer effective. Arant and her doctors decided to try an unconventional approach, increasing the dosage while following her neurologist’s guidance. This temporary adjustment successfully broke the cycle of constant migraines, allowing Arant to return to her previous medication routine. Arant emphasizes the importance of doctor-patient collaboration, asking questions, following medical instructions, and being mindful of medication limits. Recently, Arant explored an emerging treatment involving ketamine, an anesthetic drug delivered via nasal spray to control migraines. While ketamine carries potential risks and side effects, Arant and her doctor carefully evaluated its benefits and side effects, leading to successful treatment thus far.

Elizabeth Arant

Migraines can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of a person’s life. These personal stories highlight the challenges and triumphs of individuals navigating the complex world of migraines. From misdiagnosis and fear to managing triggers and finding effective treatments, these experiences underscore the importance of collaboration with healthcare professionals, self-awareness, and empathy towards those who suffer from migraines. By sharing their journeys, Anikah Salim, Joseph Coe, and Elizabeth Arant inspire others to seek proper diagnosis, explore personalized treatment strategies, and advocate for understanding in their pursuit of a fulfilling life despite migraines.

For more information, read Latest Research on Migraine Treatments.

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