This year Migraine Awareness Week is observed between 5-10 September, and aims to raise awareness of migraines and the difficulties faced by people who suffer with them. To highlight the importance of recognising this debilitating condition, we spoke with Izzy Playle (she/her) from the Postgraduate Admissions team and her experiences coping with migraines.
How important is it that we acknowledge those struggling with migraines through events like Migraine Awareness Week?
Considering the number of misconceptions around migraines and the general stigma around those who suffer from them, I think it's very important. Sadly migraines are just one of many chronic conditions that are misunderstood, and if this can help to educate people in some way that would be great.
How long have you suffered with migraines and how do they usually affect you?
I’ve suffered from migraines since I was 14 years old, so almost 18 years now. I can normally tell when one is coming, because I get really drained, my eyes feel very heavy and most times I get a low level headache. This then turns into a migraine – throbbing pain in my temples and/or behind my eyes which worsens with movement. Noises and lights can become too much, and strong smells make me feel sick – like perfume or strong food smells. If I’m lucky, it only really hurts if I move, which is more manageable. The worst kind is when the pain is there even if I’m just lying down in bed. I struggle to form full sentences and can’t focus on anything. And then there’s the ‘migraine hangover’ - the hours or days after a migraine which leave you feeling drained and your brain feeling all foggy.
Have you encountered any difficulties getting your migraines taken seriously?
Unfortunately, throughout most of my life. They affected my attendance at school and I’ve had past employers be very skeptical about whether they were real or not. I feel like migraine is the go to excuse when people pull a sickie which really doesn’t help those of us who suffer with them – it's not just a headache, it affects sufferers in so many different ways! A lot of people don’t seem to understand what a migraine really is and wonder why sufferers can’t just take painkillers and move on with their day – it's really not that simple. Because of these sorts of reactions, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to get on with the day to day and ignore a migraine, which is really not healthy or something we should have to do.
What are some of the misconceptions you’ve seen or heard about migraines?
That it’s ‘just a headache’ is the one that annoys me most. Pain, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, speech disturbance, sensitivity to light, noise, smells and movement, fever/chills - migraine has so many symptoms. Also that people can just avoid their triggers, when most of us don’t know what they are, or they’re most likely a combination of things, or something you have no control over like the weather.
As someone who suffers migraines on a regular basis, what specific adjustments do you think would alleviate the impact of this on your work?
If you’re working with a screen, it’s good to recognise whether you can change anything about your work habits to help. For example, I run most things in dark mode so it doesn’t strain my eyes so much, and have a pair of blue light glasses. Working from home has been a huge help to me, as I can take extra time to rest if I have or am recovering from a migraine, and I have everything at home to help me get through one – plus I don’t have to take public transport which is not a comfortable experience at any part of the migraine phase.
Do you have any tips or tricks that you’ve found help with your migraines that you’d recommend?
Yes, one thing I’ve really found to help is drinking electrolytes and taking supplements. I was advised by my GP to try Vitamin B2 and magnesium, as these are things migraine sufferers are often low in. I did some reading about electrolytes, as dehydration can be a trigger for me, and have been using them for a couple of years now – just sports drink tablets you buy to dissolve in water – and they have helped me fend off or lessen the severity of migraines.
If you are a migraine sufferer or would like more information on how to support colleagues experiencing migraines, you may wish to access the official Migraine Trust website for resources and advice. The University of Bath also offers a wide range of support to staff and students, accessible via the Wellbeing page.
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