Watson and his colleague had just sat down when Watson’s colleague’s Wordsmith acquaintance joined them.
Migraine: ‘Disease’ or ‘Condition’?
‘What did your partner prefer – ‘condition’ or ‘disease’?’ Enquire Watson and his colleague simultaneously. ‘Why don’t you ask her yourself – she will be joining us in a couple of minutes; let me get our coffees; your usual?’
‘Thank you. Yes, a long macchiato, please.’ ‘And the other is a… cappuccino?’ ‘Yes,’ replies Watson’s colleague.
The Wordsmith’s partner, Deb, has arrived and is introduced. ‘It’s great to meet you after being the topic of conversation in absentia,’ smiles Watson. ‘Which term did you prefer?’
‘I have always preferred ‘condition’ over ‘disease,’ comes Deb’s steadfast reply. The other annoyance I have is being referred to as a ‘migraine sufferer; this term can define individuals by their pain, which does not help foster resilience or hope.’
‘Migraine Sufferer’ or ‘Migraineur’?
‘I am not partial to it either. Over the past 25 years or so, I have never really been comfortable referring to a person with migraine as a ‘migraine sufferer’; whilst this term acknowledges the pain and difficulty of living with migraine, it also emphasises suffering, which can perpetuate a negative and disempowering narrative,’ explains Watson. ‘Agreed,’ replies the Wordsmith and Watson’s colleague in unison.
‘Recently, I have used the term ‘migraineur’, but both have their challenges, comes Watson’s resigned reply.
‘Yes, I’m not sure about migraineur either,’ Deb admits. ‘True, but it is succinct,’ the Wordsmith remarks.
‘Yes,’ comes the unanimous agreement.
‘But, while ‘migraineur’ is succinct, it may inadvertently suggest that migraine defines the entirety of a person’s identity, which is neither accurate nor fair,’ explains Watson. ‘As has been stated, “A migraineur is a person for whom migraine is their entire being and is wrong, the same way ‘epileptic’, ‘schizophrenic’, or ‘retard’ is wrong. A person with migraine is not necessarily defined by their disease.” [1] (p.320)
Is There An Alternative?
‘That makes sense. So, what’s the alternative?’ Watson’s colleague enquires.
‘Well, I have heard terms like ‘person/s with migraine’ or ‘individuals living with migraine’. These phrases adopt the person-first language, which prioritises the individual over the condition and aligns with contemporary, empathetic healthcare communication,’ explains the Wordsmith. Deb nods in agreement.
‘I agree,’ acknowledges Watson, ‘I am an advocate for person-first language; it does prioritise the individual over their condition, acknowledging that while migraine is a part of their life, it doesn’t define them. However, some consider this a little cumbersome.’
‘I do see the value in these phrases, but it does feel a bit formal for everyday conversation,’ comes Watson’s colleague’s thoughtful interjection.
Is It All About Context?
Deb reflects for a moment… ‘While I appreciate the intent, it’s not the most natural phrase to use in casual discussions.’
Watson smiled thoughtfully. ‘That’s a fair point. I think it’s about context. In a clinical setting, terms like ‘migraineur’ or ‘patient’ might be appropriate because they convey precision and professionalism. However, when communicating with the public, it’s more inclusive and humanising to use phrases like ‘individuals living with migraine’ or ‘people affected by migraine.’ These terms foster a sense of empathy and connection, which is crucial in reducing stigma.’
Deb, recognising Watson’s comment, glances at her partner.
‘Yes, although it may not always feel natural, particularly in casual conversations, I think this language represents a significant step towards fostering respect and understanding,’ explains the Wordsmith.
‘Yes,’ Watson interjects confidently. ‘I believe that as awareness grows and language evolves, we’ll strike a balance between ensuring accuracy and achieving conversational ease. It’s a gradual process, but it’s essential to encourage a more compassionate dialogue about migraine and those who experience them, as well as their family, friends, and colleagues.’
What’s it to Be Deb?
Deb, what do you think?’ enquires her Wordsmith partner.
Watson’s colleague interjects, ‘Yes, it’s not really about us; it’s about Deb, the one with the migraine,’
Deb reflects for a moment… ‘That means I am a person living with, or affected by, migraine.
‘If that’s what you’re comfortable with, fantastic. No single term is perfect, but the key is to be mindful and flexible with our language. It’s about you, where you’re at and using language that reflects your experiences and needs, which will differ significantly from millions of others.’
Reference:
- Young, W.B., De-Stigmatizing Migraine – With Words. Headache, 2018. 58(2): p. 319-321.
