I refer to it as "Primeval Migraine" because it represents the earliest known manifestation of migraines, through which we initially discovered the existence of migraines. This particular type of migraine is characterized not only by a debilitating pain on one side of the brain but also by the occurrence of paresis—temporary and severe weakening or paralysis of limbs—during the duration of the migraine attack.
I experienced extremely severe migraine attacks between 2013 and 2014, which reached a level of intensity that left me bedridden for approximately 1.5 years. During this time, I would endure around 23 hours of migraine each day, with only about 1 hour of relief. I would sleep for an average of 10 to 18 hours per day as well. In that one hour without a migraine, I would quickly rush to the supermarket and prepare food before the next attack would strike.
This period of my life was utterly devastating. My company collapsed, my social life was in ruins, and despite being in a protected area, I couldn't find any help. As I cooked my meals, I scoured the entire internet in search of answers on how to alleviate migraine attacks.
After 1.5 years of enduring this struggle, I stumbled upon a message in a forum mentioning "neurostimulation." Intrigued, I researched further and discovered a product called Cefaly, specifically designed for the European market. I decided to try it by purchasing the test package, and after using it daily for three weeks, I began to experience some improvement. The duration and frequency of my migraines were cut in half.
It felt like a newfound sense of liberation, knowing that recovery from migraines was possible. However, the impact of this experience has left a lasting mark on me, and I know that it will continue to affect me for the rest of my life.
Though my migraines have become less severe compared to before, I am still classified as a medium-heavy migraine patient due to the frequency and intensity of my migraine episodes. One of the key triggers for my migraines is stress, along with overstimulation, which can easily overwhelm my processing capabilities and lead to a collapse in my overall functioning.
It comes as no surprise that the migraine attacks themselves pose significant challenges. I typically experience around 1 to 3 migraine attacks per week, each lasting anywhere from 3 to 48 hours. These episodes are incredibly debilitating, forcing me to confine myself to a bed or sofa until the pain subsides. There is also the possibility that a migraine attack may trigger a narcolepsy episode, causing me to fall asleep. While sometimes the migraine dissipates after such a moment, it is not always the case.
In my experience, the most viable approach is to wait out the migraine attack. Despite trying various methods such as using the Cefaly neurostimulation device, employing automatic massage devices, lying on a hard floor, or applying -21°C ice packs directly on my forehead, these remedies rarely provide significant relief.
Migraine attacks tend to occur towards the end of the afternoon or early evening for me. However, they disrupt my sleep-wake cycle, leading to a sleep disorder. Depending on the specific circumstances, a migraine attack can induce narcolepsy, causing me to fall asleep prematurely and subsequently wake up anywhere between 8:00 PM and 3:00 AM. On the other hand, there are instances where the migraine prevents me from sleeping, forcing me to endure the pain until it subsides. This can last anywhere from midnight to 8:00 AM in the morning.
Furthermore, when I do wake up after a migraine episode, I often feel dazed and disoriented. It takes me an additional 2-4 hours to fully regain my cognitive abilities and become fully functional for the day. This prolonged recovery period significantly depletes my energy levels for the remainder of the day.
One of the most challenging aspects of my migraines is their unpredictability. It's not just the migraine attacks themselves, but the impact they have on my ability to make and keep appointments. Others often struggle to schedule meetings or events with me because it's always uncertain whether I will be able to attend.
This unpredictability has led to a loss of trust from others, as it is natural for people to be wary of those who are unreliable or unpredictable. As a result, I have experienced a lowered social status in society, facing social consequences for the side effects that my migraines impose upon me. It can be disheartening to feel socially punished for something that is beyond my control.
During a migraine attack, my body experiences a significant decline in strength. My limbs become weak, making it difficult to support my own weight. Additionally, the severity of my upper back problems tends to escalate during these episodes. While not all of my migraine attacks affect my physical strength, when they do, I am rendered physically incapacitated. It reaches a point where even basic tasks, such as walking to the bathroom just 15 meters away, become extremely challenging. This physical debilitation can be quite distressing and adds to the overall burden of migraine attacks.
I understand that accepting the reality of your condition can be a challenging process, and it's important to be patient with yourself as you navigate this journey. Considering the demands of society for constant availability, it would indeed be helpful to explore potential solutions that can provide you with the support and consistency you need when your body fails you during migraine attacks.
Having someone available to assist you and act as a source of support during these times can be valuable. This could involve communicating your needs and limitations to those around you, whether it's family, friends, or colleagues, so they can understand and accommodate your situation to the best of their abilities. Open and honest communication about your condition and its impact on your availability can help foster understanding and create a supportive environment.
Additionally, exploring strategies for self-care and managing your condition effectively can contribute to better overall well-being. This may involve finding techniques to mitigate the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks, seeking professional medical advice, and implementing lifestyle adjustments that promote better self-care.
Remember, it's important to prioritize your health and well-being, and seeking the support you need is a crucial part of that process.