Famous People with Migraines

Famous People with Migraines

Migraine headaches have been the bane of millions of people over the centuries, affecting the rich and well-to-do just like the poor and everyone else in-between. In fact, there are many historical figures, celebrities and athletes who have suffered from migraines yet that never stopped them from progressing with their lives.


Elvis Presley
While migraines can be debilitating, it is a condition that comes and goes, allowing people to function normally for long stretches of time.

What follows are examples of historical figures, celebrities, athletes and more who have suffered from migraines and yet have led happy, productive lives that in some cases helped change the world.


Thomas Jefferson

Leaders

There are a number of well known leaders and historical figures that have documented as suffering from migraine headaches.

– Julius Caesar
– Thomas Jefferson
– Napoleon
– Robert E. Lee
– Ulysses S. Grant

All of these leaders had a major impact on world events. Julius Caesar greatly expanded the Roman Empire while Thomas Jefferson was a major figure in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, becoming the third president of the United States.

It seems like an odd twist of fate that Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant would be leaders of the Confederate and Union Armies respectively fighting each other for the final two years of the Civil War. Another notable figure of that time who suffered from migraines was Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln.


Sigmund Freud

Historical Figures

  • Vincent Van Gogh
  • Claude Monet
  • Cervantes
  • Lewis Carroll
  • Virginia Woolfe
  • George Seurat
  • Friedrich Nietzsche
  • Sigmund Freud

It is only speculated that Van Gogh had migraines, but his own diary and experiences provide strong evidence that he may have suffered in this manner. All the other figures that are mentioned were documented to suffer from migraines. In fact, a migraine is sometimes called the “Seurat Effect” after George Seurat.


Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Athletes

  • Kareem Abdul Jabbar
  • Scottie Pippen
  • Terrell Davis

Although it does seem like fewer major athletes have suffered from migraines, it is worth noting that Terrell Davis actually had to leave Super Bowl XXII due to the onset of a migraine attack. By the second half of the game, Davis was able to return and helped to lift the Denver Broncos to victory over the favored Green Bay Packers. Davis’ determination showed that those who suffer from migraines can recover and perform when needed.


Whoopie Goldberg

Celebrities & Entertainers

  • Elvis Presley
  • Elizabeth Taylor
  • Carly Simon
  • Elle MacPherson
  • Whoopie Goldberg
  • Lisa Kudrow
  • Marcia Cross

Marcia Cross in particular has spoken out repeatedly about her experiences with migraines in order to drive more awareness. The other celebrities mentioned have certainly garnered a considerable amount of fame with Elvis Presley (pictured at top) arguably changing the pop culture scene forever with his music.

As many famous people have proven over the years, migraines do not represent an impediment that cannot be overcome. In fact, it has shown that a determined will allows people to reach their dreams of success even with migraines.

 

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