How it is that you get a headache is a complex story, by the way. “For example, it is different for migraine than for tension headaches. So we know that genetic factors play a role for migraine. The role of stress is not unimportant, but it may be overestimated. For example, migraine has been written about for more than 5,000 years. so nothing new.”
Another important type of headache that Paemeleire wants to mention is headache caused by taking too many painkillers. “For example, a migraine patient takes a lot of painkillers for his headache symptoms and ends up with a layer of headache that we call “medication overuse headache”. That headache can be avoided. For example, we are now focusing on preventive treatment. now take preventatives on a daily basis in order to gradually have fewer migraine symptoms.”
Paemeleire emphasizes that migraine cannot be cured, precisely because it is a brain disorder with a hereditary basis and you simply cannot change genes. It is therefore important that doctors give their patients realistic expectations.