Migraines Scanners — *Screenshot from the 1981 Canadian sci-fi film Scanners directed by Canadian film maker David Cronenberg.*

I am a chronic Migraine sufferer. Are you?

I was diagnosed when I was 18 and now in my 40’s I still get cluster migraines. Cluster Migraines are recurrent, severe headaches that usually stick to one side of the head, for me it’s the left. I’ve probably suffered from them since I was a very young child. Throughout my life, I have dealt with many hurtful comments from those unable to understand my affliction. Their comments used to really get under my skin. Migraines are very severe. They are not just a very bad headache. No two Migraine sufferers are the same when it comes to patterns of pain or management. To make matters worse Migraines are an ‘invisible illness’.

An invisible illness is something that the sufferer feels but no one else sees or acknowledges. Those that are afflicted with migraines are often accused of faking or imagining their disabilities.

But it’s not entirely hard to understand why- these disabilities are not always obvious to the onlooker and the cyclic nature of migraines means that they are a chronic disability that are never going to go away.

To suffer with migraines is to know not only physical pain but also at times, sociological pain and even ostracization. It’s when you’ve been motoring onward through life and everybody looks at you like you are a healthy person but in actuality, there’s that one thing that keeps you from being the person you see yourself to be. This compounds your mood and may even trigger that other “invisible illness”: Depression.

Yes, migraines come with a lot of misunderstandings from critics that refuse to believe what is happening.

My favorite line has always been: “You’re young, there is nothing wrong with you…”. It’s shameful! The idea of simplifying health into a debate about youth and middle or old age. You take the time to try to explain and inform people what your life is about and yet they still believe that your suffering is all in your head. That’s when I usually hear comments like- “Get outside and get some fresh air, that’ll fix it.” or ” You just need to get over it, move on with your life”. The worse thing for me to hear is ” If you’re that sick how come you are doing that?” The sad truth is that all these phrases come from people who can’t understand what it is like to deal with an invisible illness.

Migraines occur when the blood flows through the brain causing blood vessels to rapidly expand, which in turn causes pain and other symptoms.

For me, it all starts with an unbelievable pain that can persist anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. I refer to it as having a huge Mack truck stuffed inside my head. While this happens, symptoms include: vertigo, numbness, mass nausea, fainting, blurred vision, and sensitivities to light, sounds and smells. I have been told that many of these symptoms are very close to what one would feel if they were having a stroke. Sometimes these symptoms can occur without the associated pain. I look at those as ‘added extras’. They include bright sparkles in the sky that only I can see…an added extra.

When things are at their worse and I have tried taking all the suggested and prescribed medications such as aleve, and the pain just won’t go away I plop myself in a car and have somebody drive me to the hospital.

If you were me and had experienced this you may have ended up spending four hours at the hospital on a good night. When you were admitted they may have looked at you like you were a drug addict. They may have checked you for signs of a stroke at which point they may have placed you in a bed where you wait and wait and wait. You may have been hooked up to an IV with sodium solution to help rehydrate you. Then they may have started you on the meds.

For me it’s always been 2mg of Maxeran (anti-nausea medication for people who go through chemotherapy) and 5mg of Toradol ( a strong pain medication). Perhaps it’s that mixture that worked for you and you sat there and waited, maybe even had a snooze. The nurse observed when you started to feel better because the colour flowed back into your face and you became very hungry. At this point you are finally ready to go home and start all over again knowing that the next day will always be the best day.

Perhaps you are like me- I turn into a bit of an energizer bunny… with the pain removed and the symptoms gone I actually feel pretty healthy and am ready to face the world again.

But what triggers these attacks?

This is the hardest part. These horrid brain attacks can be caused by almost anything- physically exhausting yourself on one extreme or simply walking down the soap isle in the grocery store on another. Almost anything and everything can trigger a migraine for me. The weather for instance is a trigger that I have been stuck with for years. Before a storm, a build-up of barometric pressure can be an instant trigger. Flying on airplanes is a trigger due to the change in the atmosphere.

If you want simpler triggers how about MSG, Artificial Food Colourings, Caffeine, Red Wine or Preservatives? Even certain veggies tend to make the list. Other things that are triggers can be strong perfumes/soaps, too much stress, bright lights and loudness. Basically anything that could possibly cause a disturbance to my personal inner balance. It is consoling to know that not all of these are triggers for everyone who suffer with migraines. Somethings effect more people than others. Trying to maneuver between what does and what doesn’t trigger is a battle in itself.

This invisible illness leaves me helpless.

The idea that it can pop up at any point in time means there is no space for future time planning. Making plans in my life is non-existent. I can say I am going to go here or there but in the long run until I get up that morning I will never be sure. Then there are the times that I take the chance and go out because I am just so tired of my couch no matter how bad I feel. Other times I stay home and safe.

Few non-sufferers know that in certain places Migraines have been upgraded to a neurological disorder. Another fact that most people don’t know is that it will never go away. There is no cure only pacifiers that help you to deal with everything that transpires. Sometimes these pacifiers worsen the attack.

And the frequency of attacks?

I get them 15 days out of a month which doesn’t leave much time to actually live a carefree lifestyle. There are so many things that I and other sufferers have lost because of this illness. Jobs and career goals go right out the window. The simplest things like enjoying a movie at the theater, going to see a live band or even a family gathering are at risk. It has to be just right and on a good day. It’s very stressing trying to keep up. I haven’t even mentioned the troubles it creates within a personal relationship, between you and the significant other. Between everything you have to do and the things that you want to do. All this takes place within such limiting time frames. I almost feel grateful, to have dealt with them from such an early age because it has prepared me to deal with this kind of lifestyle. In a way it’s made me so much stronger then I ever thought I could be. I have learned how to look at life in a different way. Don’t get me wrong, I would give anything to live without them but because that is not an option…I will reluctantly settle for this.

This is a side of me that many people do not get to see.

It’s something that I have only shared with the most important people in my life. There is a huge stigma out there when it comes to diseases or conditions that go unseen. When I get an attack you wouldn’t know it, you can’t see it. You can’t see the numb and tingles that invade my body. A lot of people just do not understand nor do they really want to. In our fast paced society it gets lost. I am sharing my story because I would love to see the stigma removed. I want people to understand that just because someone seems healthy and able it doesn’t mean that they actually are.

All those comments that I pointed out at the beginning of this article are things that I have heard for years. I still deal with it to this day. People that I have had to deal with who never understood no matter how much you try to explain it. I know that other people have gone through the same things that I have and I want to let them know that they are not alone. I also want to let other people know that they need to think before making a judgment on somebody else. Keep in mind that old saying: “Do not assume or judge somebody until you have walked a mile in their shoes…” For the Silo, Dawn Bank.

When a child misbehaves—either through screaming, hitting, or freezing up—parents will naturally feel flabbergasted or at a loss. One might ask, “Why is this occurring?” or “Is this simply bad behavior?” The reality is, behavior is communication. Regardless of the action, even behavioral actions, it’s for a reason.

Knowing the four functions of behavior allows support persons and professionals to respond with strategy and empathy. The functions are not simply clinical ideas—men can be observed with these functions around the block and with both kids and grown-ups. With proper support, families are able to more effectively handle these behaviors and bring about positive change with the help of something like Toronto, ON’s SenseBloom Therapy or at-home ABA therapy.

What are the 4 Functions of Behavior?

In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), all the behavior—particularly troublesome behavior—always comes under four basic functions:

Attention
Escape or Avoidance
Access to Intangibles (Services or Events)
Reinforcement

Image- autismspeaks.org

Sensory or Automatic Reinforcement

Both these functions account for the fact that the behavior is occurring. The proper function is the first step toward responding with a view to training for preferable behavior and the diminishment of suffering—for all parties.

1. Attention Seeking Behavior in Daily Life

Kids are naturally attention seekers, and that is all part of the developmental process. But if the attention is sparse or delayed, then the child will utilize negative actions to receive it. Some examples include whining, interrupting, or even violent temper flailing.

Real-life example: A kid begins screaming at dinner. The parents immediately go to try to settle the child down. The child learns that screaming gets an immediate response—albeit a negative one.

What to do: Integrate frequent, positive attention throughout the day. Reward tiny, proper behaviors (“Good job, waiting your turn”) and dismiss meek attention-seeking actions when it is safe to do so. Such services as at-home ABA treatment tend to assist parents in identifying and reacting to these instances with calm consistency.

2. Escape or Avoidance Behavior

When an activity is overwhelming, boring, or challenging, a child will attempt to escape it with tantrums, fleeing, or freezing. The function is particularly prevalent with transitions or new procedures.

Real-world application: The child balks at doing homework. The parent withholds the task until the child is relaxed. The child now equates that action with evading work.

How to assist: Divide tasks into minuscule steps. Apply visual schedules and explicit expectations. Reward effort, not merely completion. When the function is escape, do not reinforce it by retaining expectations and providing support. SenseBloom Therapy applies personalized strategies for children to eventually tolerate and execute challenging tasks.

3. Tangible Commodites Access

Occasionally, behavior is exhibited due to the want of something—such as a toy, a snack, or TV time. When an object is provided for following through with a behavior such as crying or hitting, that behavior tends to follow.

Real-world example: The child yell at the store for a candy bar. To prevent a scene, the parent purchases it. The child learns that yelling results in a reward.

How to assist: Educate children to ask for items politely. Give choices and incorporate “yes” opportunities the remainder of the day. Enforce boundaries firmly and steadily. Speak with a calm, firm voice and support waiting or saying the words. Instruction of these substitutes is an integral component of ABA therapy at home, aiding skill acquisition for the child within the natural environment.

4. Automatic or Sensory Behavior

Certain behaviors are to serve a sensory purpose—they are comforting or assist with emotional regulation. These are not other PEOPLE’s reactions, but rather self-needs. Some examples are hand-flapping, dancing or rocking, or humming.

Real-world example: A child rotates around and around. Even without an audience or reactions, the child repeats it because the feeling is soothing or exciting.

How to assist: Offer sensory-safe, age-appropriate outlets for sensory requirements. Fidget tools, movement time, or sensory routines are potential examples. Family collaboration with occupational specialists and ABA specialists is able to assist relatives to determine what sensory supports are the most effective. Clinics for sense, for example, SenseBloom Therapy, utilize sensory-sensitive areas to facilitate this process.

Why Knowing the Function Matters

Responding to a behavior without an understanding of why it’s occurring can result in band-aids for the moment—but not permanent repairs. Taking punishment for an attention-seeking child, for instance, can inadvertently strengthen the action if it affords interaction.

When the behavior is understood, the caregiver is able to substitution with a healthier, more effective behavior. The consequence is the encouragement of the emotional safety and ultimate success.

Effective Strategies for Caregivers and Parents

Note patterns: Carry around a mini-journal to mark when behaviors occur, what causes them, and the consequence.

Remain constant: Kids do best with clear expectations and definite consequences.

Model communication: Encourage children to verbalize with words, use gestures, or point with visuals.

Use soothing reactions: Refrain from reacting angrily. Remaining regulated enables the child to remain regulated too.

Receive professional help: Consulting with ABA therapists, particularly with in-home ABA therapy, allows for personalized techniques with your child’s requirements. A Humane Response to Behavior Behavior always has a meaning. Kids are not being obstinate—kids are communicating the best that they can. When families understand the four functions of behavior, families can respond with patience, with structure, with an awful lot of loving. With proper direction, all children can be taught to do it differently. Whether through formal sessions at SenseBloom Therapy or child-centered support at home, change is always achievable.

The Silo

Tag Archives: suffering

Canadians Living With Migraines- “The Invisible Illness”