Imagine the worst headache you’ve ever had, now multiply it by at least 20 and you’re coming close to understanding just how painful a migraine is. A migraine can happen for any reason and once it starts, there isn’t much that can be done to stop it. You basically become unable to function as a person for the next 24 hours and just have to wait until it’s over. It’s something I would never wish upon anyone, and at the same time is something I deal with on a semi-regular basis.

I never really know when they’re coming. They usually start as a headache like any other but then just grow with time until light and sound even hurt. I started getting them for the first time when I was in junior high and over time I’ve gotten them less frequently, but they still occur. The first time I got it I was at dance practice and I was in so much pain I had to have my parents come get me and I went straight to bed at about 6 p.m. that evening. It’s a neurological condition that typically runs in the family. In my case, it runs on my dad’s side of the family.

While Excedrin Migraine has been able to help me when I feel a headache coming on, sometimes there isn’t anything that can stop it. If I take it early enough, sometimes I can save myself some trouble, but often times that’s not the case. When they come, they come on strong. The only things that make it feel better are often rest and a cold rag to the head. Chronic migraines can sometimes be treated with prescription medication as well, but it depends on the case and the doctor.

What people often don’t understand is that when a migraine hits, there really isn’t anything that can be done about it. It seems like it’s just a normal headache you can “power through” but really it can’t be. Lying in bed is really the best way to get through it.

While there are known triggers such as alcohol, dehydration, low blood sugar, lack of sleep, changes in weather, and stress, it’s hard to know when you’ll get one or what caused it.

It’s tough because migraines can get in your way at school or at work. I once got one while at work and had to have my father drive me home because I was in no place to drive myself home that day. If I ever get them at school, that guarantees that I will not be at class for the rest of the day. When I get them the only thing I can focus on is the migraine, not my work, not my classes, just the pain.

Migraines are more serious than the public often realizes and more painful than those who don’t get them will ever realize, but it’s something that can be lived with. While many will never get them, it’s something to be aware of to better understand those that do get them.