Migraine sufferers-what do you do?

[nightlysparrow]

Is she in menopause? Taking estrogen may help. Or Botox.

[PippySkiddles]

need to ease up on the aspirin consumption--anyone who is popping aspirin often. I had been doing that for my migraines but the aspirin caused an issue with my platelets.
Six of one/half dozen of another

[angrymillionaire]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Are you sure that's what you have? My son had severe "migraines" and terrible pain in one eye. It turned out he needed to have his wisdom teeth removed and a couple of root canals. He suffered needlessly for over a year via being referred to various specialists when all he needed was to see a dentist. He has been pain free ever since the dental work was done. Many times the answer is the simplest.

Thanks I have seen 2 neurologists. about 7 eye specialists, psychiatrists and not one dentist! YIKES I have not been to the dentist since I moved. I have been procrastinating on arranging a new dental insurance.

I hope a dentist is the answer.

[ocnjgirl]

I take the herbal supplement Feverfew Feverfew - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia twice a day, which really cut down the frequency of them. When I do get them (usually around PMS) I take Relpax, which works very well and I can still function/work after taking it.

Some people find cold relieves theirs, but for mine heat works best, so I'll put a microwave hot pack over my eyes and forehead. I guess it dilates the blood vessels.

[graceC]

I usually take 800 mg Ibuprofin to calm the pain. Anything less would not work. Sometimes, when I was foolish to ignore the early warning signs or didn't reach for my motrin in time, man.. that's when I got really sick in the bathroom. Strangely, the purging always lessened the pressure pain to the point where I could at least close my eyes and tried to sleep it off.

Over the years, I'm much better at avoiding my usual migraine triggers as well as recognizing the early warning signs and do my best to take care of it before it's too late.

[Gabbythecat]

I get migraines if I go outside with a wet head and get chilled. Even a little bit of damp will trigger a headache for me. Ditto for going to bed with damp hair. So - I wear short hair - easier to get dry after a shower. I dry my hair completely before going to bed, and I stay inside the house for several hours after a shower and/or shampooing. If I am obsessively careful, I rarely get migraines. When I do get them, I take one of the newer Imitrex type drugs - can't remember the exact drug. If I take it early enough in the headache, that seems to do the trick. If all else fails, I go to bed and sleep. If I'm really well rested, I deal with migraines more easily.

[Hel42BoSox]

To any of you with recent diagnosis of migraines - how does your family respond to your problems?Do you get treated as if you were an invalid? Do any of them fear to ask questions of what medications you are taking? or any detailed questions? For myself, being a family member of someone recently diagnosed with migraines, I am hesitant to ask for details on how I can help without being interfering. So I would appreciate feedback on this.

[Orion2]

In addition to the dentist consider allergies, your neck and the rest of your head. I changed neurologists because the one I was seeing seemed only to be able to tell me to 'avoid triggers.' Well, gee, did you go to medical school to tell me THAT? I DO that sweetie.

First I had to figure out what most of the triggers were, for me - they vary widely. I can for example eat chocolate or nuts, but not together. Bright light doesn't bother me much unless I have a headache. Some spices do however, as do many scents. My neck does, herniated discs so sleeping wrong can do it.

Aspirin, not Tylenol helps me especially if I take 6 - not 3 - when it starts and eat something high in carbs - but not gluten, which I read tonight is often a cause of migraines. Not necessarily celiac disease but even gluten sensitivity can cause migraine and a host of other issues.

Best care for them is what works for you, however across the board are some things to avoid. Overmedicating them is one - rebound headaches are horrible. Triptans can have side effects and should be used with caution for those with cardiac issues. I don't like them because I feel weird after taking them, although they do take away the pain.

I've found relief by following a strict diet, reducing stress - that was the most difficult part learning a new way of dealing with life - good sleep hygiene and daily medication. I still get them, had a world class one today triggered by stress (can't live without some!) and being physically ill, sinus infection I think. And, I ate gluten a couple of days ago. But I went from about 4 weekly to maybe 4 annually and the severity has reduced by 75% as well.

Keep trying until you find relief, it is so worth it to have your life back!