June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on a condition that affects more than a billion people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, migraines remain deeply misunderstood. Too often, they’re brushed off as “just a bad headache,” leading to stigma, misinformation, and missed opportunities for effective treatment.

At Migraine Relief Center, we believe that knowledge is power. That’s why we’re using this month to break down some of the most common misconceptions about migraines—because understanding your condition is the first step toward finding real relief.

Misconception #1: “Migraines are just really bad headaches.”

This is probably the most common—and most damaging—myth about migraines. While headaches are one symptom of a migraine, migraines are a complex neurological condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms including:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Sensitivity to light, sound, and smell

• Visual disturbances (auras)

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Tingling or numbness in the face or hands

Migraines can last for hours or even days, and they often interfere with daily life in ways that go far beyond a headache. Dismissing a migraine as “just a headache” minimizes the very real suffering that many people endure.

Misconception #2: “Only women get migraines.”

While it’s true that migraines are more common in women, especially due to hormonal fluctuations, men also suffer from migraines. In fact, millions of men experience migraines, and they often go undiagnosed or untreated because of the false belief that it’s a “women’s issue.”

This misconception can prevent men from seeking care or discussing their symptoms. If you’re a man living with recurring head pain or other migraine symptoms, you’re not alone—and help is available.

Misconception #3: “You just need to tough it out or take some over-the-counter meds.”

Migraine isn’t something you can simply push through with a couple of ibuprofen and a glass of water. For many sufferers, over-the-counter medication doesn’t even touch the pain—or worse, it can lead to rebound headaches when used too frequently.

Migraines often require targeted treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes preventive medications tailored to your unique triggers and symptoms. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are effective strategies that go far beyond what you’ll find on a pharmacy shelf.

Misconception #4: “If you don’t have aura, it’s not a migraine.”

Aura—often described as visual disturbances like flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or blind spots—is one type of migraine symptom, but not everyone experiences it. In fact, only about one-third of migraine sufferers experience aura.

Migraines without aura can still be incredibly debilitating. Whether or not you see flashing lights before a migraine sets in doesn’t determine the legitimacy or severity of your condition.

Misconception #5: “Migraines are caused by stress.”

Stress can absolutely be a trigger for migraines, but it’s rarely the sole cause. Migraines are neurological and often have a genetic component. Triggers can vary widely from person to person and may include certain foods, hormonal changes, sleep disruptions, dehydration, weather shifts, or sensory overload.

Reducing stress is helpful, but it’s not a cure. If you’ve been blaming yourself for your migraines or feeling like you just need to “calm down,” it’s time to let go of that guilt and seek support from a migraine specialist.

Misconception #6: “There’s nothing you can really do about migraines.”

This one couldn’t be further from the truth. While migraines are chronic for many people, they are also highly treatable with the right care plan. Advances in treatment—including new medications, Botox injections, nerve blocks, and lifestyle-based therapies—mean that more people than ever are finding relief.

At Migraine Relief Center, we work with you to identify your unique triggers, patterns, and symptoms. From there, we build a customized treatment strategy to reduce the frequency, severity, and impact of your migraines.

You Don’t Have to Live This Way

If you’ve been living with migraines and haven’t found lasting relief, Migraine Awareness Month is the perfect time to take action. Whether you’ve been misdiagnosed, misunderstood, or simply overwhelmed, know that you are not alone—and help is within reach.

Our team of specialists is here to listen, understand, and help you find answers. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We believe in treating the person, not just the pain.

Ready to take the first step? Schedule a consultation today and discover what life can look like with fewer migraines and more freedom.

Together, let’s raise awareness, bust myths, and build a stronger community of support for those living with migraines.