chronic migraine treatment

Read and learn more about chronic migraine treatment. For more, visit the Migraine Headache website MyBrainPain.com

Q: what are some unusual cures for chronic migraine?
My wife has had chronic migraine for 15 years with no results from doctors treatment. She has seen several doctors and a Nurologist. She’s been on preventive meds and those designed to stop migraine at the onset. (none work). Her migraines started 15 years ago at the rate of about 1 a month and lasting 1 day. They have gradually increased to 1 every 5-6 days and they last 5-6 days in duration. She is spending about 50% or more of her life in the bed due to the fact that the migraine is very intense and if she tries to function daily, it will start getting worse again. anyhelp will be appreciated.

A: Has your wife been tested for clotting disorders – specifically Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS). That can cause migraines. It was the big cause of my migraines. None of the preventatives and quick fixes helped me. For the most part the quick fixes actually made them worse.

APS is associated with recurrent clotting events (thrombosis) including premature stroke, repeated miscarriages, phlebitis, venous thrombosis (clot in the vein) and pulmonary thromboembolism (blockage of an artery found in the lung due to a clot that has traveled from a vein). It is also associated with low platelet or blood elements that prevent bleeding. Recently, however, even more disease states have been linked with APL including premature heart attack, migraine headaches, various cardiac valvular abnormalities, skin lesions, abnormal movement/chorea, diseases that mimic multiple sclerosis, vascular diseases of the eye that can lead to visual loss and blindness.

I am not saying this is what it is…but after this long her doctors should be looking at other things that are causing her migraines. Mine turned out to be my blood was just too thick. Do, I think a MRI is in order…yep and probably time to go to a University Hospital.

But push the Neurologist to order these tests for APS and other clotting disorder or have her referred out to a hematologist.

Q: What is the most efficacious treatment for migraine headaches?
Migraine headaches is the biggest source of chronic pain. There is however a very thin line of distinction between Cervicogenic, Migraine and Tension headaches. I reckon drugs are the first line of defence however do other forms of treatment like physiotherapy help at all .

A: to be honest, i dont know about physiotherapy. i suffered from migraines for years until i was refered to a “headache specialist”, not a “neurologist”, but a headache specialist, after my initial consultation, she felt that my migraines were caused by a vitamin deficiency, she ordered tests, and sure enough, B12 deficient.
ever since then, i take 1000 mcg of B12 every day and have not even had so much as a hint of a headache since then.
it might be something worth checking out for you.

Q: Migraine Treatment?
My wife suffers from persistent migraines. I mean, almost daily, frequent emergency room visits, the worst.

Over the last 15 years she’s tried amost everything the neurology profession could think of, with no help.

I’m wondering: is there anything “new” out there that chronic migraine sufferers have had success with? Thanks.

A: First thing, she needs to stop with the ER visits. I have to assume that by going there she is getting narcotic drugs. That may dull the pain, but it also causes rebound headaches, which are more painful than the initial one in most cases.

Has she tried meditation? Diet changes? Chiropractor? Psychiatry? Increased her magnesium intake? Acupuncture?

There are many all-natural remedies out there that may be worth giving a shot. Just do a quick search for “natural headache relief” and see what you can find. Good luck.

Q: What is the best treatment for migraines?
I get chronic migraines and I don’t have insurance to see a doctor. If gone through many over the counter pain meds and I usually develop a tolerance to them after a little while. Are there any other, perhaps natural, treatments?

A: I find that ice packs are a BIG help. You can get ice packs at Walgreens, but the best ones I’ve found are at your local massage therapy supply store (betcha didn’t even know there was such a thing!) Their packs are cheap ($3-10), come in a variety of sizes/shapes and are amazingly sturdy. Remember to put the ice pack in a pillow case and never use it for more than 20 minutes at a time.

Also important is where you apply the ice- more specifically right at the middle of the back of your skull. A nurse taught me this trick and it is SO helpful. Since you have hair there, you don’t need to use the pillowcase; just apply directly. Use another pack at the base of your skull and a smaller one across your eyes or temples.

And I understand about the health insurance issue, but I wanted to add that Imitrex changed my life. There are 9 pills for about $135, but I cut them in half, and they work just fine, so that saves on the cost. I know that’s so expensive, but as a quality-of-life issue, it’s worth saving up for. (And yes, you will need to get a prescription for them.) Best of luck to you.

Q: I have a question concerning chronic pain treatment?
As some of you have read some of my questions you maybe somewhat aware of my circumstances.I have treatment resistant depression along with chronic H/A-the pain management specialist explains them as migraine-muscular tension, and fibromyalgia of the muscles of the head neck, and shoulders. I have been having fentyl 600mcg medicine that is absorbed inside the gum and inner cheek. I only have one doctor prescribing medication, have an agreement contract, the whole nine yards. Yesterday I had two lower jaw teeth extracted along with a bone graft. My oral surgeon suggested to continue with the fentyl medication 2 days after the surgery. Now my pain management has decided to only allow me to have hydrocodone 15mg. tabs 1 or 2 every 4-6 hrs.My tolerance to medication is high therefore my pain is not being controlled.Would you share with me your experience with chronic pain, the management, and the control that you receive.I feel that I will never get the pain controlled . HELP PLEASE
ADDITIONAL; I cannot begin to thank you all so much for the concern and the information.If more doctors would talk with their patients instead of down to us,think of the possibilities. Im giving this edit to my question just in case there are others that would have to the answers already.??how to I acquire the information or how might I learn these things with the information from India and were did you all learn how to put these things into practice? would you help me a little more? I am so sick and tired of my monthly trip to get my so called answer to the pain. I am 53years old and I feel that Ive lost those years to all quick fixes or under the control of the legal dealers handing out what they want to at the time. I want to get my life back and I thankyou all so much. I want to put the practical into action. It will not happen overnight but I want to try.

A: You are relying too much on meds and docs. Try alternative solutions. I have been told so much crap by docs over the years that I should be dead, and so many pills pushed on me I should be a zombie. But I fought back and fought them and refused to live that way. It took time but I found alternative solutions to my chronic pain ( have permanent nerve damage). Chiropractors have helped me. I was told I had clinical depression and that it would never get better, and pills were shoved at me. I changed my diet and lifestyle and take a pill twice a week instead of 5 a day for depression. I am rarely depressed now. I am too busy getting outside and exercising, breathing fresh air, staying busy. Fibromyalgia is directly linked to depression, treat one you will get rid of the other. Pain mgt. specialists are looking for a way to keep their paychecks coming in, they will not cure you. YOU must cure you. Get exercise, get busy with others, don’t eat crap. Pray or meditate, find a decent chiro/ massage therapist, take vitamins and get in the sun every day. Stop taking all that dope, you are poisoning yourself. The pain and depression will ease if you change your life and your mental state. Help others, get involved, get out of your head and into the world. Take baby steps but get moving ! Best of luck.

Q: What is the difference between status migrainous, chronic daily headache, and transformed migraines?
I have migraines that seem to go on forever and I don’t react well to treatment. When I’m not having pain, I’m having the other symptoms. I had a headache specialist who said I had Chronic Daily Headache and Migraines. How can I be sure that they’re just regular migraines with chronic daily headaches?

A: I have found the following in the net today as I search on and try to answer your queries;

Below lists some of the major headache types:

* Migraine
* Muscle Contraction Headache/Acute Tension Type Headache
* Chronic Daily Headache
* Cluster Headache
* Ice Pick/Ice Cream Headache
* Sinister Headache: Meningitis/Subarachnoid Haemorrhage/Cranial Arteritis
* Facial Headache: Acute Sinusitis, Post Herpetic Neuralgia, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Temporomandibular Joint

Today, despite the toll headaches still take on millions of people around the world, we have made enormous progress in treating them. New medications, combined with nondrug therapies, are preventing, stopping or managing some of the toughest headaches around.

Tension headache
Tension headache is the most common type of headache. Two out of three people will have at least one tension headache in their lifetime.

Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose.

Ice-cream headache
Eating something very cold can cause a sharp pain in the middle of your forehead or over one temple. People who get migraines may be more likely to get an ice-cream headache — so-named because it comes on immediately after eating ice-cream.

Migraine headache
Three times as many women (15 per cent) as men (5 per cent) suffer from migraine, and hormones are thought to play a significant role.

Cluster headache
Cluster headaches are relatively uncommon and tend to mainly affect men.

Vascular headaches
Vascular headaches are related to blood vessels; includes migraines and cluster headaches.

Secondary headaches
A secondary headache is a side effect of another disorder.

Hormone headache
Some women experience severe headaches including migraines at times when their hormones fluctuate, for example, around the time of their period each month or around the time of ovulation.

Chronic progressive headaches
Also called traction or inflammatory headaches, chronic progressive headaches get worse and happen more often over time.

Eye strain headache
If you have visual problems that have not been addressed by prescription glasses or contact lenses, you can get an eye strain headache, which typically causes pain and a weighty feeling around the eyes.

Temporo-mandibular joint headache
Some people may get muscle tension and pain related to a disorder of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), the joint just in front of each ear, where your jaw bone connects to your skull.

Acute headaches
Seen in children, these are headaches that occur suddenly and for the first time and have symptoms that subside after a relatively short period of time.

Mixed headache syndrome
Also called transformed migraines, this is a combination of migraine and tension headaches. Both adults and children experience this type of headache.

Q: What treatment is there for a migraine, nonstop for 6 yrs, that leads to panic atks, memory loss & depression?
neck injuries and nerve and muscle damage to left side incurred from car accident(s) with repeat injuries to neck. chronic fatique and fybromyalgia ar issues as well. has led to being disabled.

A: Ask your dr. There are migraine meds & chronic pain relievers available by prescription.

Q: Where can i get rTMS treatment in New Delhi?
i understand that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a new technology which is set to change the treatment of psychiatric treatments as an effective substitute to the shock therapy (ECT).

it is used to treat a number of psychiatric and neurological disorders (depression, schizophrenia, stress disorder, OCD, phobias, ADHD, eating disorders, addictions, Parkinson’s Disease, migraine, multiple sclerosis, refractory epilepsy, fibromyalgia and chronic pain) without side effects.

i know sufficiently enough about the technology. but where is it available in new delhi and what are the costs involved? which is the best place to get it?
i read that it was recently introduced in india.

A: Yes, rTMS is available in India now after it received its clearance from the US FDA very recently in October 2008 for treatment of patients with depression who do not respond well to treatment with antidepressant medicines.

It is basically a non-invasive procedure which involves magnetic stimulation of specific brain areas to produce neuro-physiological changes that result in recovery. In that sense, it is a substitute for the electric shock therapy which is considered more non-specific and has some stigma attached to it. It can be used in addition to the regular medicines and is considered to be extremely safe with no side effects.

As far as centers where this treatment is available in New Delhi, you may want to contact Dr Sunil Mittal at Cosmos Hospitals Delhi Psychiatry Centre in Delhi (011-43666666) which has this facility. I’m sure with time more doctors will offer this therapy, but for now it seems that they are the first to offer this in Delhi/India.

(For more information on rTMS, you may search online on wikipedia and other online journals. There’s quite a lot of information available.)

Q: My boyfriend of over three years gets chronic migraines, I need advice please?
I have been with my boyfriend for three and a half years. Every aspect of our relationship is perfect except for the fact that he gets really painful chronic migraines. He has been to the best neurologists possible- tried all treatments-everything possible and nothing has helped to make them go away. They get better with medicine but not always. When he is in so much pain he is a different person. He isn’t able to talk so he doesn’t answer his phone, ignores me, I know it’s not under his control but how he acts when he is in so much pain really hurts me, I am just a really sensitive person. I try to be as understanding as possible but sometimes it is just really difficult. Has anyone gone through something like this? Do you have any advice of how I can cope with him being in so much pain and the effects it has on our relationship?

We love each other very much and breaking up is out of the question. I just need help with some coping tools. Any serious advice is very much appreciated.
Just want to clarify I’m not trying to be petty by saying things like “he doesn’t answer calls” but that was just an example. His whole attitude and personality changes and I was just hoping someone reading this has gone through something similar and knows how difficult it is and could offer me some advice.

Thanks so much.
Thank you so much for all the answers so far. I really appreciate it! He has been to many doctors and has had cat scans and a couple MRI scans done also.

Thanks everyone for your great advice, it’s really helpful to read such encouragement.

A: I used to experience frequent, horrible migraines and it can be very crippling. You just need to understand that it has nothing to do with you, and that he is in a lot of pain/discomfort. Try your best to respect his space when this happens. The best thing he can do is get silence and recover when it comes on.

One thing that could be causing the migraines though could be poor eyesight. Mine were reduced quite a bit after I found out my eyesight was worse than I thought it was.

He might also be sensitive to bright artificial lighting. This was also a problem that caused my migraines, and I have reduced even more by wearing sunglasses in the office/in class, and by using dim lights in the house.

The migraines could also be a dental problem. Make sure he gets a thorough dental exam (after that thorough eye exam).

Also, an extra strength bayer BEFORE the migraine starts can be a little helpful. Two Bayer after the migraine helps too, if it was too late to catch before.

Good luck.

Q: what treatment is best for different types of pain?
treatment options… surgical, pharmaceutical, behavior, and cognitive
case1… various types of pain from a below-the-knee amputation resulting from diabetic neuropathy.
case 2… acute pain from an abdominal hysterectomy.
case 3… chronic headaches (non-migraine).
using the treatment options what would best fit with each case

A: Wow, you said a mouthful. I’m not a medical professional, but I should be because of all the pain treatments I’ve tried. So I can only suggest things that have worked for me.

With surgery pains, Delotid & Codeine pain killers helped. Also Ibuprofen for less intensive pain.

For Fibromyalgia pain, broken bones & strained muscle pains: I’ve tried “Integrative Therapeurics, Inc.: Pain Formula” which is a pain reliever for FMS/CFS patients that can be taken often. But also Advil helps with this too.

There’s a lot of treatments that can help with pain management, everything from Massage, EFT, mild exercises & phys’ therapy, to Acupuncture, heat therapy, Hyperbaric Chambers, cold lazer therapy, heat therapy, & even counseling.

Hope this helps.

Q: Chronic migraines due to unknown causes?
My girlfriend suffers from migraines 1-3 times a week. Some times they are not that bad and last only through the day but alot of times they are severe and sometimes cause her to miss school because of them. She cant have chocolat or caffine because it just makes them worse and most pain killers dont do anything for her. Shes been to doctors and they cant find out whats wrong and the medicine she takes makes her fall asleep shortly after takeing it. Is there anyone who knows what might be causeing these migraines or know of ways to help get rid of them faster? If there is anything that can help, medical treatments or something as simple as burning a certain type of incense every night, im just looking for a way to help the girl I care about.
She has had these migranes since she was in 6th grade and she is now a sophmore in highschool.

A: My son experienced the same thing from 5th grade through high school. Now he only has them once or twice a year. Avoiding triggers like chocolate, and cheeses, especially cheddar. There may be other things in her diet that cause migraines for her. She should keep a diary of what she eats and her migraines to see if perhaps there is a pattern. Fennugreek also helped to reduce the severity of his headaches.

Q: Migraine advice?
So I have chronic migraine headaches.

Am allergic to ASA so that rules a lot of drugs out. Also Imitrex and related drugs.

Has anyone found success with….?

I have resorted to botox treatments to numb the nerves around my problem areas. Not even that has helped.

I take T3, demerol, ativan… all do not work at all. They are so bad that all I can do is cry and fanticise about dying.

My neurologist is going to suggest to my dr. that I take stronger pain killers.

Any ideas of what I should ask for? Do you know someone suffering migraine? or what has helped you?

Help, help!!

A: You probably need to be on chronic narc therapy. Ask your doctor about meds like MS Contin, oxycontin, and others that you can take EVERY DAY.
Long term narcotic therapy does a few things
1. It helps when other meds (regular pain meds or preventative meds) don’t work. If taken regularly they can reduce or eliminate your pain. You’ll also need something for breakthru pain – pain you get despite being on “preventatives” or other forms of therapy. This regimen of breakthru meds is designed to keep you out of the ER.
The goal obviously is to get your pain down to an acceptable level so that you are able to function in daily life without the disruption a migraine brings.

Talk with your doctor about your options. PM me or email me if you would like to discuss this further. Good luck.

Q: Have hormonal issues – what is best pill/treatment to make you feel totally normal without side effects?
Have had hormonal issues & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (post glandular fever) for years. Found Yasmin to be the best pill but do feel a little flat (& fat) on it. Have tried extended periods of natural prog cream, other pills as well as naturopaths, chinese herbs, endocrinologists, etc. without much success.

My symptoms (mainly pre-menstrually):-

* Bloating
* Sever PMS – Irritable, depressed, hungry like crazy
* Weight gain
* Migraine (at some point during, before or after period)
* Sugar swings/cravings
* Generally unwell (annoys me when people say PMS is not an illness!)
* Poor circulation
* Aches & pains all over
* Feel old although am young
* Very dry skin, hair

I know this is the million dollar question and I wonder if we can ever truly feel like we deserve to. It’s so unfair that some women suffer and others don’t. This has been passed down the generations of women in my family and am quite concerned about my own daughter who is fast approaching pre-puberty.

A: I would talk to your doctor. Most medications have side effects, but I would talk to your doctor for the best suggestions.

Q: I may lose my health insurance but must go to the Pain Clinic…?
I’ve missed two weeks of work (been in the hospital [Intensive Care Unit] for chronic neurologic migraine pain. I have medical excuses for everyday I’ve missed but the company I work for are unsympathic Nazis and I might very well get axed tomorrow. I have a ton of physical, not to mention, mental (depression, agoraphobia, schizophrenia, panic disorder) ailments. I need my health insurance so that I may continue my medical treatment, especially the pain management clinic. If I do get shafted, what do I do? Are there programs other than Medicaid that can help pay for pain clinic visits? My mental health visits are covered, no problem. But I stay in pain. Anyone know if the state could help me or something else or am I just jolly well f#c

A: There are laws that provide you with continuous coverage as long as you pay for the insurance. You can also take up to 6 months leave w/o being fired. Research the department of labor — dol.gov or your state DOL.

Google it.

Q: What medications and treatment would be the best for my horrible migraines?
I am an 18 year old male who suffers from chronic migraines with aura. I’m going to the doctor soon about my terrible migraines and I’m curious as to what they’re likely to do and what their likely to prescribe me for prevention and pain control. I have gone in numerous times for my terrible migraines, however nothing has ever been done and I’ve recently changed doctors but have only seen my new doctors nurse practitioner. First, let me fill you in on my symptoms. An attack for me starts with an aura which completely blinds my left eye, and this comes on usually all of a sudden without a preceding headache. The aura will start out as a small colorful dot in my field of view on the left side and grow until my vision in my left eye is almost fully disrupted. My aura phase lasts about 30 mins. to an hour, then it goes away and is immediately followed by the pain and nausea phase. The pain is ABSOLUTELY UNBEARABLE, it always occurs on and around my right temple. It feels as though someone has jammed a screw-driver in my head and is repeatedly twisting it. It is completely regular for me to vomit as many as 6 times during an attack. There is nothing I can do to treat the pain. I’ve tried Tylenol, Advil, an Ice bag, A warm wash cloth they’re all equally useless. And once the pain has begun there is no use in attempting to take pain pills as I am unable to keep anything down. I kind of anxious about my doctors appointment because my previous doctor was horrible and never did anything for me, however she was a pediatrician and even though I was 16 when i first started getting them and seeing her my insurance DEMANDED I see a pediatrician, and I would like some advice on what I should expect them to do, and what I should tell them and what I should ask about. Please I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

A: Well Tylenol and Advil are absolutely worthless against migraines. I also have chronic migraines and have been dealing with them for almost 20 years. There are a few meds they have specifically to work with the pain of migraines, that do stop them almost as soon as you get them. My doctor has me on Imitrex. There are newer ones out but that’s what has been working for me so my doctor just kept me on that medication.

The most important thing, though, besdies dealing with the pain of the migraine is to get you on daily medication to prevent the migraines in the first place. This may take some time to find the right one and which one works for you but there are a ton of options for them to work with so they’ll eventually find something to help you. I’m on two different medications on a daily basis and when we finally started one of them, my migraines stopped happening. It’s actually an antiseizure medication but it’s also used on migraine sufferers for this very purpose and so far it’s been very successful in preventing migraines as far as I know.

Good luck at your appointment. I hope everything works out for you and you get some relief!!