Myth: Those who get headaches all the time are simply trying to avoid work or relationships.
Reality:  Recurring headaches are a real problem for an estimated 60 million to 80 million Americans. While headaches may interfere with work or relationships, most sufferers do their best to lead normal, active lives.

Myth: "Headaches are a part of life and I should just suffer them."
Reality: While everyone gets a headache from time to time, chronic, persistent headaches are not the norm. Once diagnosed, various treatment options are available to manage all types of chronic headaches.

Myth: Headaches are caused by brain injury or damage.
Reality: Headache patients' brains are hypersensitive to all kinds of stimulation, even thoughts.  Such events, including head injuries, changes in the weather, internal hormone changes, etc., trigger a cascade of chemical changes that cause inflamed blood vessels and neurological symptoms, including pain.

Myth: It's possible to cure chronic headaches once and for all.
Reality: Unfortunately, most people who get recurring headaches are likely to keep getting them. This means treatment focuses on "managing," rather than "curing, " the headache.

Myth: There are no good treatments for chronic headaches.
Reality:  No one headache treatment will work for everyone. It may take a thorough medical work-up and working closely with your health care team to find the treatment option that will work best for you.