What do Ben Affleck and Janet Jackson have in common?

Both of these famous faces struggle with migraines that interrupt their careers. However, not only are migraines disruptive, but they can also be destructive.

If you, or someone you love, are experiencing migraines, you need to know how powerful these headaches can be. Can migraines cause brain damage, and if so what can you do about it?

Read on to find out the truth about the long term effects of migraines.

Can Migraines Cause Brain Damage?

There isn’t a one size fits all answer to the question, “Can migraines cause brain damage?”. Instead, you’ll have to take into account the severity, and length of your migraine attacks.

When you have a migraine, parts of your brain experience hypoxia. There are different kinds of hypoxia, but the medical term means low oxygen. When you begin experiencing hypoxia during a migraine attack, the oxygen levels in your brain drop dangerously low.

Dangers of Low Oxygen Levels

When migraines cause oxygen shortages in your brain, your body will try to fix the problem. The brain’s arteries enlarge, in hopes of allowing oxygen-rich blood to enter your brain. However, even with the arteries expanding, brain damage can still occur.

Lacking oxygen, the brain’s cells structures will begin to fall apart. The effects are similar to what happens to someone when they have a stroke or heart attack.

Migraines Can Change Brain Structure

Our brains are capable of making changes, depending on our experiences. For instance, if you practice an instrument, you can create pathways in your brain that make playing easier.

However, not every change your brain makes is a positive one. Your brain also responds to negative experiences, such as pain.

When you have chronic migraines, your brain practices being in pain. Moving forward, your brain will begin making changes to make pain happen more frequently. Finally, your brain will become a pro at simulating some of the most excruciating pain, even when you don’t have a migraine.

Tips to Relieve Migraine Pain

To prevent brain damage you’ll need to know how to shorten the length of your migraine. The shorter, and less frequent your migraines are, the less likely it is that lasting damage takes place.

Here are a few tips for relieving migraine pain:

• Mindful meditation
• CBD migraine relief
• Rest in quiet and darkness

When you practice mindful meditation, we suggest you focus on your breathing. Instead of listening to a meditation tape, pay attention to the inhale and exhale of each breath. Don’t judge your breaths, or even your pain, just breathe.

Put Your Mind at Ease

Now you know the truth to the question, “Can migraines cause brain damage?”. Were you surprised to learn that migraines can deprive your brain of oxygen? Or how about how chronic migraines can reshape your brain?

We hope our article will inspire you to take extra special care of yourself the next time you have a migraine attack. For more insightful articles, check out the rest of the site!