Migraines - Not just a headache and not something you have to “just live with”

Date: 06/29/2026

Bangor, ME (June 29, 2026) - According to the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2021, headache disorders ranked as the second most prevalent condition worldwide, and the third leading cause of years lived with disability. June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month and we asked one of our Northern Light Health neurologists to provide some insight about migraines.
 
“Migraine is a real neurological disease, not simply a bad headache,” explains Ahatjon Juraboev, MD, MPH, neurologist with Northern Light Neurology at Eastern Maine Medical Center. “Unlike a typical tension headache, a migraine can significantly interfere with daily activities, work, school, and family life. While a regular headache will most likely just involve head pain, a migraine is head pain combined with additional symptoms.”
 
These symptoms can include moderate to severe head pain; throbbing or pulsing pain; sensitivity to light, sound, or smells; nausea and sometimes vomiting; dizziness, spinning sensation, or feeling off balance; difficulty concentrating; and fatigue. Some people may also experience an aura before a migraine, which can include visual symptoms such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots, or other temporary neurological symptoms. “While not all migraines can be prevented, many people can reduce their frequency by identifying and managing their triggers,” says Dr. Juraboev.
 
He suggests strategies such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule; staying well hydrated; eating regular meals; managing stress through exercise, relaxation techniques, or mindfulness; limiting excessive caffeine and alcohol; and keeping a headache diary to identify potential triggers. If migraines occur frequently, effective prescription treatments are available.
 
Ultimately, Dr. Juraboev wants people to know that while migraines can have a major impact on quality of life, it is also highly treatable. “People should not feel that they need to ‘just live with it.’ With an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan, many patients experience significant improvement and can regain control of their daily lives,” says Dr. Juraboev.
 
One of the most common things he hears from patients is, “I wish I had come to the neurology headache clinic sooner. I did not realize that there were effective treatment options available, and I suffered for years longer than I needed to.”  
 
According to Dr. Juraboev, their neurology headache clinic uses a team effort for migraine care. “Patients can get treatment by neurologists who have strong experience in headache disorders and work closely with the neurology pharmacist. This collaborative approach helps ensure that patients receive individualized treatment plans, medication education, and ongoing support to help them achieve the best possible outcomes in fighting this debilitating disease.”
 
Dr. Juraboev or encourages anyone who experiences frequent, severe, or disruptive headaches to discuss them with their primary care provider, particularly if they are becoming more frequent, are interfering with work or daily activities, or if over-the-counter medications are not providing relief.
 
The American Migraine Foundation estimates that over 1 billion people worldwide and more than 40 million Americans suffer from migraines.