At the age of five I had my first migraine, though I didn’t know it then. All I knew is that I’d had an orange flavour sweet. Within the hour I was vomiting, unable to see, with a numbness in my arms and legs, and a feeling as though I’d been punched in the head.  

Of course, the initial thought was that I’d caught a horrible sickness bug. It came and went. Within 24 hours I could see again, another 24 and I felt normal. 

These attacks continued to happen. Unpredictably and sporadically throughout my childhood and teen years, I’d have to stop what I was doing and dash to the nearest dark room, desperate to stop the car crash of symptoms. It rarely worked.

What’s the trigger? 

As these migraines continued to spoil school days, trips and dinners, I began to form a link between certain foods: 

• Mint – both in savoury food and sweets 
• Orange flavouring  
• Tuna  
• Specific cheeses – including the one used in my school canteen  

Not too bad right? Well, some people also experience migraines when they consume chocolate, wine, processed meats and coffee. It’s a minefield. 

That’s not all   

Food and drink aren’t the only triggers. By far the most disruptive trigger for me is the sun. Inescapable and, in Britain, completely unpredictable. Ever looked at a bright light, only to look away with spots on your eyes? They normally fade quickly, right? For some migraine sufferers that’s not the case. For me the sunspots grow, until I’m unable to see at all. This can happen in the space of a minute, until suddenly I’m feeling my way down the hall. 

Read more: When to trust your instincts in the face of medical gaslighting

Much more than a headache 

The reality for migraine sufferers is that they often need to spend their lives in a constant state of risk assessment. Solo travelling? What if you have an attack and need to navigate – you can’t see your phone screen. You’re in an unfamiliar place. You can’t drive because you can’t feel your arms and legs or see the road.  

Dismissed at the GP 

When the attacks ramped up in my twenties – sometimes multiple times a month – I finally went to my GP, desperate for answers. I’d quit a job over harsh office lighting. I wore sunglasses at night to avoid LED triggers. I was ready to investigate; blood tests, MRIs, allergy exams – anything to get answers. 

I entered the practice, sat down, waited for the inevitable questions. My GP glanced at my notes and simply asked if I wanted a preventative medication you take every day, or a responsive medication for when you’re experiencing an attack? 

When I explained that I was hoping for answers, an idea as to why by body was reacting like this. I was waved off.  

This dismissal over health concerns is not unique to me. In a 2021 government survey it was found that, out of nearly 100,000 women, 84 per cent expressed that there have been times where they weren’t listened to by a healthcare professional. 

The pill problem 

Whilst medication can be helpful, the idea of taking a daily pill for the rest of my life was certainly not something I wanted to do. Opting for the responsive medication I took a peek at the side effects, and it was extensive. From fainting to seizures. You can’t take the pills if you’re on any other medication, or if you’ve got a history of strokes, heart issues, high blood pressure, liver issues, the list was endless. Yet, nobody was willing discuss these risks. They handed me the pills, and I was on my way.

The bigger picture 

Women statistically are between 2-3 times more likely to suffer from migraines, than men. I can’t help feeling that this experience is an example of dismissal of women’s health issues. I was offered no consultation, no discussion of options, causation and the implications of taking medication. 

Taking matters into my own hands  

Frustrated, I dove into the research. Forums, medical journals, specialist blogs – you name it. Eventually, I found what doctors never told me: 

I have hemiplegic migraines – a rare type affecting just 0.01% of people. They mimic strokes, cause vision loss, numbness, even temporary paralysis. They’re genetic, tied to mutations in specific genes like CACNA1A and ATP1A2. Oh, and they carry a higher risk of actual strokes.

Next steps 

Understanding the disorder certainly elevated some of my stress surrounding it. Migraines, of all varieties, are rarely fatal. My research also revealed that sodium high foods, stress and dehydration can also exacerbate symptoms. So, concentrating on those elements can help to stop a migraine before it starts. 

In the future, when I have any health concerns, I’m going to make sure to advocate for research and clarity. My GP knew that I was experiencing stroke-like symptoms and decided against investigation. If you’re experiencing debilitating issues, and feel it has a potential to be something more sinister, advocate for yourself. The issue of negligence towards women in medical settings is disgraceful. We need to be loud about it! 

Help is out there  

Charities like The Migraine Trust and The Brain Charity provide helpful information, both around the causes and variations of migraines. They also point migraine sufferers towards helpful resources for prevention and mitigation.  

If your migraines are impacting your ability to work, drive or care for yourself, you may be entitled to help from the Government – see here. 

For more resources surrounding medical discrimination towards women see: Elly Charity, a charity committed to protecting and promoting women’s health through research, education and application.  

Additionally, take a look at the government’s ‘Women’s health – Let’s talk about it’ survey. 

What you can do to prevent yourself having a migraine – today

• Drink water: Adults should drink 1.2-1.6 litres of water a day. That’s equivalent to 6-8 glasses. Keep count to ensure you’re not dehydrated.
• Practice mindfulness: It’s no secret that high stress levels can cause headaches and migraines. Try to do at least one activity a day to bring you a sense of calm. For example, yoga or a walk.
• Keep quick fixes on hand – Whatever helps, keep it with you. Be that triptans, anti inflammatories or cold compresses. If you suffer an attack whilst out of the home this could be the difference between an inconvenience and disaster.
• Identify triggers – It’s helpful to keep a food and activity diary when you suffer attacks. That way, you can better identify triggers to avoid in the future.

Disclaimer : I am not a medic. If you’re experiencing health issues please contact a medical professional.

Emma Cruickshank

Emma is a literature, TV, and film enthusiast. When she’s not writing, she can normally be found out in the Sussex countryside, walking her dog Herbie, or in a restaurant drinking an overpriced cocktail and dreaming up ideas for her next literary endeavour.

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