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The Invisible Battle
Migraine is far more than a headache. For many active-duty service members and veterans, it can be a relentless challenge affecting mission readiness, performance, and quality of life.
If you suffer from migraine headaches, you understand how debilitating and incapacitating they can be. Now, imagine enduring the rigorous training that soldiers undergo while experiencing a migraine. Picture being in life-threatening situations, required to perform and make split-second decisions, all while grappling with the intense pain and potential visual and cognitive disturbances (aura) that accompany some migraines.
The prevalence of migraine among active military personnel is significantly higher than in the general population. Approximately 12% of the U.S. population and 23% of service members suffer migraine.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has reported that veterans are more likely to experience migraine and headaches than non-veterans. About 36% of U.S. veterans who served a one-year deployment to Iraq were diagnosed with migraine or showed signs of migraine, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Triggers in the Line of Duty
Military personnel experience many of the same migraine triggers as civilians, but some factors are more prevalent due to the unique demands of military service. In addition to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) and Long Covid, other common migraine triggers for military members include:
Environmental factors like exposure to bright lights, loud noises, extreme temperatures, and chemical irritants, which are common in combat zones and training environments.
Stress is a major trigger, affecting 67% of military personnel with migraines. The high-stress nature of military operations, deployments, and training can precipitate migraine attacks.
Fatigue and sleep disruptions are frequent triggers, affecting 57% of military migraineurs. Irregular sleep patterns and lack of rest are common issues during deployments and operations.
Consumption-related triggers like skipping meals, dehydration, alcohol, and caffeine withdrawal affect 60% of military personnel with migraines. Disrupted eating and drinking patterns are common during deployments.
Head trauma and mild traumatic brain injuries sustained during combat or training can also trigger migraines and post-traumatic headaches in military personnel.
While the types of triggers are similar for military and civilian populations, the unique stressors and environmental exposures of military life make service members more susceptible to these migraine precipitants.
A Call to Action: Supporting Our Troops
In the face of these invisible battles, the resilience of military personnel stands out. Many continue to serve with determination, adapting through treatment, lifestyle strategies, and peer support.
Improved migraine education, screening, and access to treatment for military personnel are imperative to ensuring the well-being and readiness of our service members. Access to specialized care within the Veterans Health Administration and growing awareness among military healthcare providers have improved diagnosis and management options, but gaps remain. Many service members remain undiagnosed or inadequately treated.
Therefore, it is crucial for the broader community to support initiatives aimed at enhancing migraine education, implementing thorough screening processes, and ensuring comprehensive treatment options are readily available. By prioritizing the health of our service members, we honor their dedication and sacrifice, ultimately strengthening the resilience and operational capacity of our armed forces.
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