Migraines..?

Question

I have been suffering from Migraine Headaches now for alittle over 5 years...I am taking medicine daily to help control them. I have now over the past year started Botox. I have had a MRI, and I see my Doctor on a regular basics.. Well I recently applied for Social Security Disability Benefits, and didn't know if anyone else has ever applied for this before for Migraines? If so, how did it go? Did you get it the first time? Did they deny it? Did you appeal it? I am 30...and really scared....I go to the E.R at least once a month or once every 2 months for a shot.... Any help would be great!! Thanks

Answer 1

http://www.neurologyreviews.com/feb04/nr_feb04_foramen.html

Answer 2

I am a doctor and I treat people with migraines often. I currently have a patient that complained out migraines for many years 4-5 days per week. After 4 treatments she has had 1 migraine in the past two months. All drugs to is take away the pain, it doesn't fix the cause of the pain. There are special chiropractors trained in cranial work. If you are interested, e-mail me or go to www.sorsi.com to find a doctor in your area, all these doctors can help or know of a doctor that can.

Answer 3

Hi Jen,

I'm sorry for your suffering. I am on disability for depression and migraines. My doctors were the ones who advised it, and their support was key in getting accepted...after I was turned down the first time and had to appeal. In the meantime, ask your doctor to refer you to a pain specialist. It doesn't sound like the meds you take everyday are doing much to control your migraines if you are to the point where you are unable to work. I can't stress this enough...get a second opinion, a third opinion, see specialists, try physical therapy, alternative therapies, and educate yourself as much as you can about migraines and treatments or courses of action. Your best course of action is to find a doctor who specializes in pain management, who can explain all kinds of different treatments, don't get stuck in a rut. Even if you really like your doctor, if the treatment you are receiving is not helping, then you have to try something else. This can be a very frustrating process, but you have a serious health problem, and you deserve the best available care. If you want to discuss this with me in depth, feel free to contact me. I've been battling for over 10 years, and although I'm not clear of migraines yet, I am at least wiser for it. My personal opinion is that the "right" methods for getting free of migraines are as numerous as the individuals who suffer from them. Keep hanging in there, and do feel free to contact me if you want to. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I have had migraine for 25 years. I have tried so many things, regular doctors and alternative practitioners. I started acupuncture treatments, and after four times, I am seeing a difference that nothing else has given: it's actually helping.
I have used all sorts of herbs, vitamins and
prescription medication and they've been a waste of money at best.

Check "about.com" for migraine. Teri Robert, the moderator, is so good!

The day after the first treatment, I had a terrible attack. After the second, I felt crummy, but the next day I felt really well, better than I have for 25 years! It has been up and down but mostly up since!

Answer 5

I have migraines, but not often enough to keep me from working. I've never heard of anyone applying for disability for migraine, but if it keeps you from working, I would think you'd be able to get it. You might have to appeal a few times, though. I know that if I get a migraine at a time when I'm supposed to be working, I have to call in or leave work. There's no way I could work with a migraine...I can't even get out of bed when I have one. I take Zomig and Fiorinal, but the Zomig is preventative only, so if I don't catch it in time it doesn't work, and the Fiorinal only helps with rebounds and postdrome.

Answer 6

You won't get disability for your migraines. Most disability claims are denied with the first application & require a disability attorney to get the benefits approved.

Botox for migraines? That's a bit weird. Most doctors perscribe Imitrex, Motrin 600 or 800, Vicodin, Relpax or other NSAIDS. Tylenol, Advil, Advil Migraine, Excedrine, Excedrine Migraine & Motrin otcs can also help with the pain.

Going to the hospital 1-2 times a month for a shot isn't good. You need to figure out what's triggering your migraines. Keep a written diary of the pain, triggers & reactions. Use a spiral notebook or some kind of notepad to keep track. Write down how the pain feels: hot poker in you head or through an eye, head in an anvil, throbbing pain, eye twitches, hurts to breathe, etc. Write down the triggers: stress, worry, allergies, caffine, sugar (too much or too little), etc. Write down the reactions/side effects: nausea, light & sound sensitivity, tingling hands, feet, limbs, etc. Write down if you have to lay down until the pain subsides, go to sleep, just sit or lay down to rest, etc. Keep this written diary for about 3-4 months, then flip back through it to see what's setting off your migraines. You can then make changes in your life to lessen the migraine episodes.

You & your doctor should review this diary on one of your visits. Then he/she can help with medication for your migraines.

Answer 7

I don't know how to help you to get the Social security Disability benefits. But you really have serious health problem.

I think the best way is to control and minimize your health problem before you get the Social security Disability benefits. Did you take any nutritional supplement to help you?

You can come to my office to have a free body check up, it is free. I hope i can help more people to get good health.

I do have some alternative medication (nutritional supplement & therapies) may help to prevention and maintaining good health. It's safe and natural. you can email or call me to know more.

There were people with serious problem get cure after taking the nutritional supplement & therapies that i recommended. I hope i can help you and bring good health to everyone. Don't wait until everythings is too late.

Answer 8

I have not applied, but I work for a doctor and we have to do the paperwork. It's almost a given that you'll be denied the first time. We have a patient who is truly disabled and he has been trying for three years to get disability. I wish you luck!

Answer 9

Applying for Social security Disability benefits will be tough regarding your case.

However, did you talk to your doctor about the use of SSRI's as headache control. The SSRI are usually used in order to treat depression but at a lower dosage, it may work for numerous patients.

Answer 10

Has your doctor ever talked to you about Topamax? I work with a woman who made regular visits to the ER but since being on this medication has not been to the ER once and is quite happy with it.

Answer 11

I use Advanced Ambrotose and it works great.