Migraine headaches afflict approximately 11 in 100 individuals, according to Medline Plus. These headaches are often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound ,and incapacitating pain on one side of the head or neck. Caused by abnormal brain activity, migraines and their symptoms are not just a nuisance--they are a health risk, affecting blood flow in the brain and surrounding tissues and raising the risks of stroke, heart attack, depression and other significant health complications.
Stroke
Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the country. When strokes do not end in death, they often result in physical or mental impairments and paralysis. Migraine headache sufferers are at greater risk for strokes, as a migraine can sometimes lead to ischemic stroke and stroke can sometimes be aggravated by or associated with the development of a migraine, according to the New England Journal of Medicine and MAGNUM (The National Migraine Association).
Heart Attack/ Depression
According to Dr. Stil Kountakis (quoted in an ABC News report), migraines accompanied by auras (visual warning signs or other indicators that precede the attacks) are linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and depression.
Misdiagnoses / Unnecessary Treatments
Migraine sufferers are often misdiagnosed and under-treated, according to MAGNUM. Unnecessary medical procedures are performed in doctors' efforts to diagnose the condition and exclude other health complications. These situations could have negative and dangerous consequences.
In addition, The American Headache Society reports many individuals who believe they have sinus infections or sinus headaches take over-the-counter and prescription medications, including nasal sprays, analgesics, decongestants and anti-inflammatory medications, to no avail. In many cases these individuals suffer from a more severe condition---migraine headaches. Migraine-specific medications are kept from these sufferers due to misdiagnoses. Medical professionals and even peers may not acknowledge the seriousness of the condition. Dr. Silberstein (see Resources for MAGNUM) describes sufferers as having to battle the stigma of being chronic complainers, deemed unable to cope with stress.
Other Serious Effects
Magnum reports migraine headaches can induce more than debilitating pain and other aggravating symptoms. Migraine headaches may cause permanent vision loss, severe dental problems, coma, aneurysms and even death.
