18 Things Not to Say to a Person with Migraine
Last updated: September 2023
You responded to our original Things not to say article with more frustrating comments you’ve heard from misinformed people about migraines. So we\'ve included them in our updated graphics below.
Although lowering stress levels is good for anyone, this will not eliminate our attacks which are both genetic and neurologic in nature. Saying this will cause additional stress to us though, because we have enough to deal with in our lives without feeling guilty and judged by those we care the most about.
View the original post by Ellen.
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Does stress impact the frequency or severity of your migraines?
Chronic migraineurs use an enormous amount of energy trying to look as normal as possible, and we want to know that we have been successful. However this statement sounds condescending and judgmental to the chronically ill — as if we must not have a real disease because you cannot look at us and see the ravages it has caused in our lives.
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What type of migraine do you experience?
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Do changes in diet impact your migraines?
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What's the longest you've experienced throbbing pain during a migraine attack?
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Is the numerical pain scale an effective way to measure pain?
Clinical depression and migraine are both primary (not caused by anything else) diseases involving neurotransmitters such as Serotonin. While it is common for clinical depression and migraine to be comorbid — especially chronic Migraine — it is certainly normal for anyone with a chronic disease to become depressed as a result of their experience and should be expected as a normal result of the patient’s illness.
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Do you think you've experienced symptoms of depression?
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Do you experience nausea or vomiting during your migraine attacks?
It’s difficult to imagine anyone who would want to continue to have migraine attacks, so it can be particularly insulting when a person assumes you aren’t making an effort to get better. In fact, many migraineurs feel like they’ve tried EVERYTHING, including over-the-counter treatments, holistic medicine, prescription medications, acupuncture, and every “fad” diet that exists.
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Have you talked to a doctor about preventive treatment options for migraines?
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Does physical activity trigger your migraines?
While exercise is sometimes helpful for Migraineurs when they are not in the midst of an attack, chronic Migraine often means back to back attacks that leave the patient no time to go outside or exercise. Additionally, exercise is frequently a trigger for Migraine attacks, especially in those who are chronic.
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Do migraines limit your ability to exercise?
Dehydration is a known trigger of migraines, but it is not the only thing that can cause a migraine attack. Remembering to drink plenty of fluids, especially during the warm summer months, is critical to staying hydrated, yet this is only one piece of the puzzle in preventing a migraine attack.
Unfortunately, this is not true. Though rare, migrainous stroke takes the lives of patients every year. Migraine — especially chronic migraine — has been found to be tightly correlated with other serious or even potentially fatal health issues, and often it is the combination that is deadly.
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Have you had symptoms similar to a stroke?
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Have others downplayed your migraine pain?
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