The definition of the ‘migraine’ comes from the Greek meaning, ‘hemicrania’ or ‘half-headed’ on one side of the head,
Migraine sufferers are Migraineurs.
A migraine is a disease, an invisible illness, and “not just a headache.”
I have been a Migraineur for over 50 years.
My ‘headaches’ began as a teenager; I was about sixteen. They were sporadic but extremely painful. As the years passed, my headaches became migraines and more frequent. The pain was excruciating and “put me out of commission” for several days. It affected my social life; employment, and I often visited the hospital emergency for pain relief.
In my 50s, these migraines developed into ‘Chronic Daily Migraines’ (chronic is defined as 15+ headaches per month). I was fortunate to escape with one or two pain-free days per month. The agonizing pain was unbearable, with some migraines continuing for 7-9 days without a break. I discontinued going to the Emergency as the hospitals in my city did not offer narcotics to relieve pain, only the equivalent of Tylenol.
My neurologist tried many methods to treat these horrible migraines, but nothing was effective.
Life went on, and I accepted that I would have chronic pain for the rest of my life.
My psychiatrist discontinued the antidepressant I had taken for over a year (Effexor) and diagnosed me with severe anxiety. In June 2022, I was hospitalized for depression, and he decided to try Clonazepam (Klonopin) at a small dose of 0.5mg daily.
Clonazepam is used to prevent and control seizures. This medication is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug. It is also used to treat panic attacks. Clonazepam works by calming your brain and nerves. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Source: webmd.com
After about a week, my migraines decreased, and I only got the odd headache.
Continue reading I have no more Migraines. Why?
Living in Stigma 