Serious Migraine Sufferer !?

Question

Please help , I suffer from major migraines which can last for a week at a time then I can get a two day break and get another one again for a further few days . Docs have given me loads of painkillers and some are really strong . But after a few time of taking them I just get immune to them and they aren't effective and more . I can take up to 16 tablets in a 24 hour period which clearly isn't good. There is no reason for the migraines so I can avoid doing something to stop them .
Ive been for scans / tests the works . Nothing !
Any remedies either medical or alternative then please let me know ur thoughts?
thanks !!!!!!!

Answer 1

It sounds like you need to find your triggers, things that set off the pain.

* You could either be getting too much sleep or not enough.
* Sometimes mild dehydration causes headaches and migraines, so drink more water, try to get at least 1.5 liters a day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
* MSG or monosodiumglutamate could also be the culprit. This ingredient is usually found in Chinese food, but also lurks in other foods. Check the labels on your prepackaged food like Hamburger Helper, Soup and if you eat ramen noodles or cup of soup, stop right now.
* Nitrates are foods like processed meat (bologna, hot dogs) and cold cuts like ham and turkey.
* Other food triggers include: wine/alcohol, chocolate, cheese & caffeine.

Keep track of what you do and eat to find out what to avoid by writing it down in a notebook. Sometimes, it could be one tiny thing that is perfectly managable.

Answer 2

I am too a migriane sufferer. I actually get one every single day sometimes, I wake up with them. I still have not found exactly the cause, but alot can trigger migrianes at anytime. I've had tests done too and still not one damn answer. Been on medications like no other! Still can't find nothing for me that helps. I usually end up in the ER about once a week for "shot" for the pain since Exedrine Migraine didn't help. I rely on that stuff. I actually have a migraine now as I type. Had it pretty much all day, sucks. I've had migraines since I was a senior, and they always said it was something else, I had a cat scan done and an MRI, found a tiny tumar in my brain, still not have done a damn thing about that either, been about a year now, I am tired of living with migraines, I Just want my life back! My weight has been up and down as well. I'm starting to lose weight, but having two kids back to back, and than haveing gal bladder sugery, I didn't get my body back to normal, so been stressing over extra body fat, was skinny but now just a blab. I wish too to find something that will help.

Answer 3

I have suffered from migraines since age 8, I'm 36 now. I've tried many pills, OTC and prescribed, yoga, breathing techniques, icepacks, facial icepacks, whitenoise machines, radiofeedback tests, have had 3 MRIs and 2 CTs in my life of my brain in regards to my migraines. Etc etc etc.

For the past 3 months I have been taking Topomax daily and I have a nasal spray I've only used twice just as I feel one coming one. The spray works for about 3-4 hours then my temples hurt and my mouth gets dry. The topomax is the better of all the other drugs I've been put on. Today I started physical therapy. She measured my neck and the angel it can bend without pain and said it's all muscular, my neck vertebrae are all in line. She did about 5 minutes of point pressure while I laid on my back so the weight of my own head was the only pressure and then she gave me electronic massage for 13 minutes. I felt relief right away. It lasted for 7 hours. Then my right shoulder and neck area started to tighten up and my temples are starting to hurt again. I have to go twice a week for 3 weeks to see how it goes. Do you see a neurologist? Talk to him about this electronic massage through a physical therapy department. With a referral, most insurances will pay for it.

Good luck and God bless!

Answer 4

I suffer the same.
I would suggest you to stop killing urself by those tablets. Of course docs are suppose to give something on our visits.. but since its brain matter... and u already know painkillers are always temporary friends... wont solve your problems.

That's the only reason I dont take ANY medicine on migraines... I take a sleep or if needed.. take usual painkillers.. rather tablets specially made for migraine. As to brain shouldnt get serious chemical dose.

I suffer it when I am having my periods.. so I bear with it. and stay on teas and coffees.

Good luck and think about it.

Answer 5

I used to have migraines like you describe. A change of diet and regular light exercise, some adjustment of my off kilter hormones and NO SMOKING cured mine. I don't know what your personal habits are but this is what helped me. I cannot eat anything with mold, like blue cheese. I have to stay away from dairy almost completely and am vegetarian too. No processed foods, etc. It depends on what you might be allergic to...

Answer 6

Hot Pepper nose spray. (buy it specifically for your nose of course) I've never tried it myself, (my Relpax works just fine), but I have a friend who swears by it. As severe as yours are, It may not make them go away, but maybe it'll help. I've also found that lying down in a completely dark and quiet room with a cold pack on the side of my head that hurts.

Answer 7

have you tried lavender oil? Also, i suffered from migraines, it was stress that brought them on! It also used to be citrus fruit, i was terrible with oranges. I find now that the best thing is neurofen for all of my hadcahes. hope this helps, x

Answer 8

I know this sounds so superficial but turn your pain over to God, if you believe he can do it, he will answer your prayer. I mean if he can create this universe then he can fixed something as little as a migraine. Ask, believe and receive, I will pray for you.

Answer 9

Migraine Action Association may be able to help
see http://www.migraine.org.uk/

Answer 10

There is a new development in migraine therapy:
http://www.neurologyreviews.com/feb04/nr_feb04_foramen.html