5 Myths About Headaches

The confusion on this topic is enough to make your head spin. Let's clear it up.

- By Kate Rockwood

MYTH #1

Migraines are just bad headaches.

MYTHBUSTER A migraine is actually a neurological disease that causes a slew of other symptoms. Migraine sufferers may also have nausea, dizziness, trouble concentrating, sensitivity to light and noise, and speech and language problems. These other symptoms wouldn't necessarily happen with a headache. Migraines are like a headache plus, plus, plus, says Merle Diamond, M.D., president and medical director of the Diamond Headache Clinic and a board member of the National Headache Foundation. In fact, one in four people with migraines reports missing work or school and one in three reports missing family or social activities because of symptoms, research has found. Migraine is the second most disabling disease in terms of lost hours of your life, says Dr. Diamond. Which means popping an aspirin probably won't cut it-you might need a prescription medication for the pain.

MYTH #2

Sudden headaches happen! They're nothing to worry about.