I have chronic migraines, what the hell are my doctors doing?

Question

So I'm 16 years old and I have migraines frequently, almost daily ( on a scale of 1-10 I would rate the pains 4-8). They've been going on since December and getting worse, I never had a problem with head aches before. I'm also borderline hypertension, I have high blood platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells. They're blamming my blood pressure problems on being overweight and the headaches on being a teenager. Apparently, sudden migraine complexes are completely normal for children according to these doctors. I also have a fast heart rate. They have no idea what's going and I keep having to go and get tested for numerous things. They said I'm a case. They gave me anti-depressants and said that those would help headaches, right after I started taking them I began coughing blood, so I stopped (constricted blood vessel in my throat?). Now they're making me take medicine for Epilepsy saying that'll prevent them. This is stupid. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

Epilepsy medication is called anticonvulsants and they are commonly prescribed to prevent migraines. I took an anticonvulsant Topamax (200mg) and never had one migraine on this medicine. Anticonvulsants are difficult to get used to require at least a month to get used to the side effects such as slowed thinking, tingling extremities which go away the longer you are on the medication. For your high blood pressure, you could try a betablocker like atenenol which also prevents migraines, but not nearly as good as topamax. Try this drug in the summer before school starts, because you will dumber than a box of rocks for 2 weeks, lol

Answer 2

The docs are not stupid. The meds they gave you are commonly used to help prevent migraines. It may take several tries to find one that works for you so don't get so discouraged. Hubbys first med worked well for a 6-8 months and then even upping the dosage didn't help so they tried something different that has worked well for a couple of years. Also if you are overweight that most likely is part of the cause of you high blood pressure and pulse and the extra weight is putting a huge strain on your heart. You didn't mention if you are male or female but women are more prone to migraines because of the hormone fluctuations. I am not sure what you are expecting from the docs but they seem to be doing a great job if they are already trying migraine prevention meds on you. Many docs don't even bother to try prevention meds for people with chronic migraines so I would consider you lucky to have such great doctors.

Answer 3

I've had migraines for years. unfortunately, the source of chronic migraines is hard to determine. It could be so many things. I tried preventative medicines, too.. and they didn't work. (they put me on topamax, inderall (blood pressure meds), and depakote (seizure medication, also used for bipolar disorder)..NONE of them worked, they have run tests and can not figure out why I get them.

I take imitrex 100mg when I get a migraine and it works well. I have to take phenegran (anti-nausea medication), too.

I had the worst migraine this morning, I was sooooooo sick.

Anyhow, I don't know what to tell ya. Nothing really has helped me.

Oh, I do use that HEAD ON stuff--- it doesn't cure your headache but it sure does make your forehead COOL and it distracts me from the pain. I love the stuff.

Answer 4

Take "goudagirls" advice and see a neurologist or headache/pain specialist. (and forget about the lady who wants you to IM her.) Are your docs sure the
cardiovascular problems aren't tied in with your headache problems? Hypertension can be related to head pain and it is then very important to control the hypertension.

It is not uncommon for antidepressants and even epilepsy meds to be given to folks who have painful, chronic headaches that don't respond to other drugs. It doesn't mean that the docs think your depressed or epileptic--they're just trying to find something that works.

Also, if you overuse headache pain medications, you will end up having more frequent and painful headaches. A good doc who knows about "rebound headaches" can help you basically go through "withdrawal" from overuse of headache meds without suffering more than you already are.

Concentration and relaxation exercises may help. Also, you have to recognize what conditions (like what foods or what kinds of weather or what time of day, etc) triggers headaches, so you can take control of these things.

Answer 5

Did they put u on Neurontin? that is an anti-seizure med that is used to help people that have nerve problems. Nerve issues can lead to Migraines.

Have you gone to see a Chiropractor? They can help with headaches. Or go see a Pain Management Doctor. They have alternatives means that help people with pain issues.

Have you had a MRI done on your head and cervical spine (neck)? You may have pinched nerves that are causing the migraines.

I went through a span of 10 months with migraines. They put me on a low dose of an Anti-depressant...low doses help people with pain issues.

I hope I answered your question...I know its rough but you are bound to find a doctor that can help you!! good luck and take care.

Answer 6

You need to stay away from caffeine. Most teenagers get headaches from drinking too much soda! Cut out soda and drink just water, they will eventually stop. If they really are migraines your doctor will give you either zomeg or imatrex, not an anti depressant unless they think that you are stressed and that is causing your headache.

Answer 7

You need to see a neurologist. You should be on blood pressure medication. Also, Amitryptiline, if you haven't tried it, is a pretty good headache preventative. Also, stay away from the over the counter headache remedies as they contain caffeine and cause "rebound headache." You don't have to live like this. Go to different doctor.

Answer 8

yes, high blood pressure will cause migraines. Do you take birth control pills? They cause migraines also. I think you need to find a different doctor.

Answer 9

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

Answer 10

In a nut shell? I'll tell you what the hell your doctors are doing...
TREATING SYMPTOMS!

I have education for you and your mom and best of all, its free with no hidden agenda. You need to take charge of your life and going through this chronic condition has given you a wake up call that they can't do ANYTHING for you but prescribe, prescribe, prescribe...

I have a video for you. Message me and request the video and share it with your mom and or people who are concerned for you.