Headache Myths

Debunking the Myths, Misconceptions, and Misinformation About Headache:

• Just because headache is common doesn't mean that it's normal.  This is the most significant headache myth.  Despite the out-dated stigma about people with migraine or other recurrent headache being malingerers, weak, neurotic, or having a mental illness, headache is a real, legitimate, biologic syndrome that can be prevented, treated, and managed. 
• If I have severe, recurrent headaches, I might have a brain tumor.  While brain tumors are a possibility, they are RARE.  If you are worried about this, that's all the more reason to see your doctor sooner rather than later.
• If my partner says, "Not tonight dear, I have a headache", it means they just aren't interested in having sex.  While that may be one option, chances are much more likely that they really have a headache!  Headache can definitely dampen or eliminate libido, especially a migraine or cluster headache.  For tension headaches, you can actually comfort your partner with a massage, support and understanding- often for your mutual benefit.
• I've had these headaches for years; there's nothing that works.  Not necessarily.  There are several new treatments that have become available in the past few years; just because one or two haven't worked for you doesn't mean there aren't others that will.  If you haven't gotten useful medical advice from your current physician(s), ask for a referral to a headache specialist.

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Created: 10/17/2000  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.