Why Hasn't Medical Science Cured Chronic Headaches?
11 days ago
- #medical-history
- #migraine
- #chronic-pain
- The author describes their first migraine experience, initially fearing it was a burst aneurysm, but diagnosed as a migraine, which has since become a chronic condition.
- Migraines and cluster headaches are highlighted as debilitating conditions, with migraines being common (affecting 1.2 billion globally) and cluster headaches rare but extremely painful, often called 'suicide headaches'.
- Migraine symptoms vary widely, including aura (visual disturbances), nausea, and sensitivity to light, with triggers like hormonal changes, stress, and certain foods.
- Historical treatments for migraines include trepanation (drilling holes in the skull), bloodletting, and applying electric fish, reflecting the long-standing struggle to understand and treat chronic headaches.
- Modern treatments include CGRP-targeting drugs (e.g., Aimovig, Emgality) and antiepileptic medications (e.g., Lamictal), though effectiveness varies and often requires multiple medications.
- The book discusses the stigma and lack of serious medical attention given to migraine sufferers, especially women, who are often stereotyped or dismissed.
- Two theories on migraine causes are presented: vascular (blood vessel abnormalities) and neurological (brain-related, similar to epilepsy), with current evidence favoring the neurological explanation.
- The author's personal journey with various medications highlights the trial-and-error nature of migraine treatment, often leading to side effects and temporary relief.
- Evolutionary biology suggests migraines may stem from an overly sensitive nervous system, a trait that was advantageous for survival in primitive times but is now a source of chronic pain.
- Despite advances, migraines remain poorly understood, and sufferers often rely on a combination of treatments to manage their condition, finding solace in shared experiences and narratives like Zeller's book.