By Brian W. Donnelly, M.D., I.B.C.L.C., Pediatric Alliance — North Hills
“Am I the only one I know
Waging my wars behind my face and above my throat
Shadows will scream that I’m alone”— Migraine – twenty one pilots
Recently, Pittsburgh’s Stage AE played host to twenty one pilots, one of the hottest musical groups in the country. They put on a great show.
I was moved by the lyrics in their song “Migraine.” In stark terms, it describes what the average migraineur suffers through. It also describes the isolation these folks endure, with the accompanying mood depression. Thankfully, the song ends on more hopeful terms.
“We should take a day to break away from all the pain our brain has made. The game is not played alone.”
I had the privilege of attending the performance with one of my favorite people who also happens to suffer from migraines. Like many others, she suffers in silence, and bravely does what she can. But on that warm and humid spring night, we listened to the emotion, energy and genius of Tyler Joseph, as he put into words what many others have felt beneath their crania. I don’t think my daughter noticed me wiping my eyes during that song. It might have been sweat for all she knew.