Migraines! Help! what does everyone do?

Question

I have been suffering from chronic recurring migraines since I was 8, now 26 it's out of control. I take topamax and zomig and yesterday the neurologist gave me maltmax, I beleive it's called...I'm on day 3 of a wicked headache, and it comes and goes. Are there herbal remedies or something else I could try. I have the room dark, no lights, no noise. I have extreme sensative to light and smell. What does everyone do? Any help? Suggestions? Oh yes, and yesterday I also enrolled in a Botox trial with a well know migraine doc. so I will be keeping a headache log.

oh thanks so much for all the info! i have tried depa...made me vomit,,,the gat, sports drink sounds like something to try...elecrolights? something like that

i had mri, nothing showing thanks though! and i will have to ry ot the firmer pillow, i get a massage at least once a month and only drink skim milk too...i don't eat meat either...some b 12 missing?

Answer 1

Oh dear, do I feel for you! I myself suffer migraines. I'm 26 and have suffered about as long. Recently though after having my first child, who will be one this month, my migraines have slowed down. You have to learn how to tackle the HA before it actually starts. Learn signs/symptoms that eventually turn into a migraine. I will tell you, I'm a licensed nurse and my whole family has migraines. One of my cousins has had every test out there. She has gone to the Cleveland and Mayo clinic.....they are hereditary, caused by hormones and stress. Excedrin Migraine works very well for me. I try to eliminate bad stress. Watch foods that trigger....too much or not enough caffeine...artificial sweetners....very strong smelling perfume....too much or not enough sleep. You can keep a log on your own and treat yourself I bet w/out seeing yet ANOTHER doctor....good luck fellow migrainer!!

Answer 2

I had more migraines when I was younger (mid 20s and below). What started making a change, as in less migraines, was going to a chiropractor that worked on me a couple of times a week for several months. From his suggestions I also went from drinking whole milk to 2% (he suggested skim, but I can't do that), I got a new more firm pillow, and started eating more fruits and veggies.

Now, in my early 30s, I have maybe 1-2 migraines a year. I'm also perscibed Imitrex, which works well (reduces the pain about 70%).

I hope that helps.

Answer 3

I am 37 and have suffered since i was 8 or so. I take a vitamin b complex and fever-few. let it build up in your system. I have noticed fewer and not so painful migraines... there are many herbal remedies but if you are serious talk to an herbalist....

Answer 4

This is just a home remedy try it there is nothing to loose.

Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers.

Answer 5

ask your doctor about depakote.....it is being used for migraines now and after years of being in the same situation you are in, my doctor put me on it and i am feeling much better

Answer 6

What Are Migraine Headaches?

The condition known as "migraine" is much more than a tension headache or a simple headache. Migraine headaches can range from mild to severe, are usually felt on one side of your head, and are generally not life-threatening. Migraine headaches are part of a larger condition known as "migraine." A migraine attack typically involves a headache, but often has other symptoms, and can last from 4 hours to 3 days.

If you suffer from migraine headaches, you're not alone: the latest data show that approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches—about 12% of the entire population. While they affect both young and old, migraine headaches are most common among those 20 to 40 years old. In the United States, migraine headaches are three times more common in women than in men. An estimated seven million men in the U.S. also suffer from migraine.

Some researchers believe that migraine occurs in people who are predisposed to it, and that migraine can run in families. When conditions are right, a migraine begins, usually set off by a triggering (see migraine glossary) factor or condition.

While every migraine sufferer is unique, all migraine sufferers experience some or all of the following symptoms.

See if you have any of these symptoms of migraine

Common symptoms of migraine include:

Moderate to severe throbbing pain (typically) on one side of the head
Nausea (with or without vomiting)
Sensitivity to light, noise, or odors
Visual disturbance (called “aura”— see migraine glossary)
Frequent attacks (typically one to three a month)
Other symptoms of migraine include:

Loss of appetite
Sensations of being very warm or cold
Paleness
Fatigue
Dizzines
Diarrhea
Fever (rare)




Related links:

Common Questions About Migraine

What Triggers Migraine Headaches?

Migraine Headache Treatments

How are migraines treated?
The best treatment for migraine is the one tailored to your condition. It will help if you understand your treatment options for migraine. Talk to your healthcare professional about your headaches and other symptoms

Depending on what you and your healthcare professional decide, your migraine treatment will fall into one of two broad categories:

Migraine prophylaxis (prevention medicine)
This approach to treating migraine involves medicine taken regularly to decrease the total number of migraine headaches you get. Migraine prevention medicine keeps migraine attacks from even starting. Find out if you could benefit from migraine prevention.


One option for migraine prevention is
TOPAMAX® (topiramate). TOPAMAX is a migraine prevention medicine that helps reduce the frequency of your migraine headaches, so you can get fewer of them. Learn more about TOPAMAX.



Acute migraine pain relief therapy
This approach involves pain relief medicines that you take only when you have migraine headache pain or feel one coming on. Taken early enough, acute migraine pain relief medicines can ease the pain of a migraine attack. Acute migraine pain relief medicines that belong to the class of drugs known as triptans have made great strides in the treatment of migraine. See if you can get help with acute migraine pain relief medicine.

One medicine for acute migraine pain relief is a triptan named AXERT® (almotriptan malate) tablets. AXERT can provide an effective combination of fast and lasting acute migraine pain relief. In clinical trials, some patients reported pain relief as soon as 30 minutes after taking AXERT. See if AXERT can help you.

Answer 7

hello i have had these migrianes in past what you need to do is go to your doctor and ask to see if you can get appointment for an MRI if they find anything they will give you medacations and make sure if u need surgery or what not hope i have helped

Answer 8

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