The effects of migraine

About one in seven people live with what's ranked the second-most debilitating disease on the planet, right after back pain: migraine. Though the causes are unclear, migraine is a serious neurological disease that often runs in families. But the malady is not often taken seriously, in part because the headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, dizziness, and a host of other symptoms affect three times as many women as men. Correspondent Susan Spencer talks with migraine expert Dr. William Young; Linda Porter, of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about migraine research; Katherine Foxhall, author of "Migraine: A History"; and Cincinnati artist Priya Rama, whose migraine visions have become key to her art.

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[BeesKnees]

Chances are, if you've never experienced a migraine, you probably know a friend or a relative who suffers from it. It affects family, work, friendships. Migraine sufferers bear the guilt of not being able to function as part of society and being accused of "making excuses". It's not just a physical illness, it's a social illness. Thank you, CBS Sunday Morning, for shedding light on this topic.

[screeningmimi]

Those who don't suffer from migraines accuse sufferers of hang-over headaches, with vomiting etc..It's almost impossible to hold down a job.

[Windsweptzariel]

Thank you CBS for bringing awareness for migraines with this story.

[robinsonvancrusoe]

My dad has had migraines most of his life. He used to have to be taken to the ER and get a shot. It has gotten some better since he's gotten older. I have them too. Mine are mostly visual but I do get some head pain. I usually get weak after for awhile. The latest cause of my migraines is being on my phone too much. Now I use computer glasses and limiting my time on screen. Some foods like chocolate and caffeine will contribute to causing one as well as dehydration. Thank you for the segment. Nice to see someone has used their pain productively. Bless her.

[amyblessinger]

I've called myself a "functioning migrainer." I have suffered for years. This ailment is truly disabling and hard to treat. Often times when a prescription works for a while and then it stops helping. The process is difficult and frustrating. It's very nice to see attention being brought to this disease. Being that it is the 2nd most debilitating illness hopefully it will bring more research and awareness to it.

[jacktennant]

For many years I suffered from migraine headaches, I had worked for the US Air Force for a number of years as a military & civilian instructor. I discovered after a "final" retirement, my headaches were the result of stress. after leaving my position in the military my headaches stopped and I have not had another single one since. So STRESS is one factor that can cause headaches.

[CumulusSkies]

Thank you so much for airing this story. It makes me feel less alone in my daily suffering, in bed, in the dark, all alone. It’s a horrible way to live, and I do honestly wish for death for relief. I’ve tried literally everything over the last 35 years, and the pain continues on. Thank you again for shedding light on this painful malady.

[a.d.jenkins]

There have been times my migraines were so bad I prayed for death.

[FlowerDesign]

Priya Rama came to my hometown 2 weeks ago and displayed her art at the city's art fair. I had the privilege of meeting and talking with her briefly. What a beautiful, strong, talented artist she is. She inspired me with her understanding of the artistic process, and how she transforms her own pain into comfort for others by creating these beautiful paintings. Wonderful meeting you, Priya. Hope to see you again soon.

[erikaf]

Barometric pressure changes are my nemesis!

[dianeyoung]

I get migraines that last two to three days and are scary and debilitating.

[ProducerLare]

I also (as well as my brother & mother) have had migraines a majority of our lives.🤯 They affect everyone differently & I won’t get into specifics for us but Thank you for sharing this story... and it’s not “just a headache”... so unless you’ve experienced one first-hand, don’t offer advice on the subject.👍

[DG-smsk]

Thank you CBS for sharing stories this month about Meniere's Disease and Migraine Headaches. Both are debilitating health issues that greatly affect the quality of life. It helps everyone to be informed and see how people can cope with adversity.

[ariellebrowne]

The most annoying part is nobody in my family that I know have it so nobody really understands.

[annetteabbott]

I take Aimovig and Topiromate for prevention, Sumatriptan for rescue.

[hollyavillella]

Eighteen years chronic migraines, tried many different medicines. DHE helped some, but with undesirable side effects (dihydroergotamine). Chemotherapy for curable breast cancer induced premature menopause and stopped the migraines. My doctor followed up with a hysterectomy. I'm sharing this info. to help anyone whose situation might be similar, because they are truly terrible. Now, I get migraines infrequently with weather and stress being triggers. The subject's art work is amazing! Thanks for producing this informative story.

[deedeewinfrey]

Food triggers my migraines. Sugar, citrus, chocolate, caffeine.

[sabrinan]

I've had 5 in the last 8 or so days. Haven't had one in months. Comes on with the blink of an eye. It sucks...

[bessmahaneypilates]

I started getting migraines at 16, luckily they stopped in my 40’s, I changed my eating to Paleo and that helped, I have done a lot of alternative treatments as well, from intuitive therapy to acupuncture, but I know how bad it can be and my heart goes out to all the sufferers.

[katiemacdonald]

Thank you so much for the work on this important piece about an invisible disease that impacts so many. With more reporting like yours, we hope to break down the stigma and allow more people to share their experiences and stories of living with migraine. With a reduction in the stigma, we can hope for more research funding and more providers being willing to get into the field of headache medicine.