As to the aura, that is only a warning. I take one Zomig (5 mg) immediately when there is aura. I go and lie down in a dark room and try to totally relax, and that is usually enough to get rid of a headache that was thinking about coming on.
Having said that, I have gotten a dull headache sometimes despite my efforts and in order to thwart it, I take two Motrin as soon as I sense something might be happening. This usually works.
I used to do two Excedrin at the very first sign of any headache and that worked for awhile, but then it didn't anymore. Then Motrin started working.
Yes, cold compresses on forehead and on nape of neck really help. I also use a microwaved "relax pack" on my rear neck-shoulder region.
I have found that bright light (reflections off car rear windows, as I'm driving) can trigger a migraine. So, I have super dark sunglasses, and have the front sunvisors down - all the time.
( I even had the eye doctor write a note on his letterhead saying that due to migraines, I need to have my side windows in front of the car tinted darker than legally stipulated due to the sun/lights triggering migraines.)
I also went to a doctor (PhD) who did lots of brain work with re-routing brain pathways. He worked in drug rehab and it really helped, but he wanted to also help people with migraines and memory loss issues. I went to him for 6 sessions (you close your eyes, are in a dark room, have a headset over your ears, and a machine picks up when you're relaxed (and you hear gentle music) and if your brain isn't relaxed for a moment, the music stops. It's amazing.
The brain likes that particular kind of music (kind of sounds like an orchestra tuning up) and I have to say that before his help, I was getting about one migraine a week, and sometimes they lasted about 3 days. After the 6 treatments, I might get the beginnings of a "regular" headache maybe once a month, which I can get rid of with Motrin, and a migraine maybe, maybe about once every 2 months or even more (when I'd just take a Zomig at the first sign of it).
I did notice that a newly arrived low barometric pressure coincided with my migraines, but since going to that brain doctor, that has stopped entirely.
If you are are interested in contacting this brain guy, look under Mind Spa in Sarasota, Florida. His name is Dr George Rozelle.
pamof FL1:03PM September 22, 2010
I agree that there are many treatments for Migraines and you have to find the right treatment for you. There are many triggers and everyone reacts differently. I have tried everything over the years. From accupuncture to Many differnet catergories of meds. This last year I have had an average of 4 migraines a week. I just recieved my first botox treatment last week and I am hopeful that this will help. The best advice I can give anyone suffering with this is to keep trying different things and don't give up. You are not alone! Also I think having a good Neruologist is important. Preferably someone who specailizes in headaches.
Kathyof 7:44PM January 26, 2009
I am not sure if I am correct in my thinking but when an aura begins, I immediately take 3 of my 0.25 mg of Xanax. This causes the aura to resolve within 20-30 minutes. How long to others auras last?
Then the headache comes! It usually lasts for 3-5 days. It is quite disabling. My employer has treated me fairly so far but I am always concerned the day will come when I will receive disciplinary action for my missed days.
I have a history of an intercerebral bleed in 2003 due to arteriovenous malformation. My migraines began in 1996. I still have one aneurysm (4 initially) and am quite frightened of undergoing additional brain surgery. The risks are much higher an additional surgery vs. the previous surgery and interventional radiology I had in 2003. I am also afraid to use the new migraine meds due to potential side effects...any ideas? I too am a registered nurse.
Debbieof MO12:56PM October 27, 2008
Use a cold pack on your neck and a bedbuddy on your forhead, and wrap it around your head if you have a long one. Much relief will be noticed. Then change the cold pack to the forhead, and the bedbuddy to the neck.
The best pill on the market I have used is Excedrin Migraine. I had headaches for yrs. and this is what helped me the most, as it does my 2 daughters too.
Imatrax was great too. But if you have not Imatrad, to the above. And always take the pill as soon as you notice you are getting a migraine.
Try cutting down on your salt too.
I make my own bedbuddies, heat them for 2 min.
Darof MI5:15PM October 17, 2008
I hate to tell you Kellye, but Chiropractic intervention can be very helpful for migraine sufferers. Perhaps, massage is for some people, as well, though this has never worked for me. I have suffered from severe migraines for over 16 years, and yes, they run in my family, as well. My grandfather had them, my mother has them, as well as both sisters, though mine seem to be the worst. I have multiple triggers, not just one. I am an RN...I have lost 2 different jobs due to absences related to migraines. I never really get sick, I tend to only miss work when I have a migraine. I have had intermittent FMLA at my last two jobs. So, I do know the misery of migraines. But, there are all different types of migraines, and all different types of treatments. The most frustrating thing about migraines can be trying to find a treatment plan that works for you, because unfortunately it isn't a one-size fits all, and it can be trial and error. You say Imitrex is a miracle drug, but it made my migraines worse. In fact, Triptans do not work for me, really at all. Massage has never really worked. But, I am now on Topamax, and I use Indomethacin when I get one. Chiropractic and Accupuncture have also helped as part of the overall plan. Not by themselves. I was getting Botox injections, which helped tremendously, but then I moved to another area of the country where we don't get as much rain and have as many fluctuations in barometric pressure, so that has greatly reduced the frequency and severity of my migraines, where I don't need the Botox at this time. I also take a daily supplement called Migrelief...a combination of Vitamin B, magnesium, and feverfew. But, to say "I get really frustrated when people claim that chiropractic procedures and massage can stop their migraines. If you suffered from a headache, and there are many kinds, yours was not a migraine if those procedures stopped your pain." is just ignorance. We face enough discrimination and ignorance from people who have never had a migraine, we certainly don't need to face it among other migraineurs. Just because one treatment doesn't work for one person doesn't mean it doesn't work for another, and doesn't mean if it does help someone that what they had wasn't a true migraine. I can't say it enough...Migraines come in all forms, and it takes all kinds of treatments to control them. Quit being judgmental and Thank God you have Imitrex. May we all find our treatment that works and may the world start to understand that migraines are real, we need understanding and compassion, not judgment and condemnation!
Vof NV9:17PM October 16, 2008
I've suffered from migraines for over 20 years, as has my mother and my sister. The only thing that ever helped us was imitrex. It is our miracle. It sounds like a lot of people here think they are suffering from migraines but if touching your head stops the pain, you're not haveing a real migraine. And if you take imitrex on the very onset (typically you get signs that you are about to experience a migraine versus some other kind of headache)it can be alleviated before any naseau symptoms hit. If I take it at the first sign, within 30 minutes I am completely fine. If I take it after it has gotten a hold on me, it may take just a bit longer.
Sinus pressure can actually be your trigger for a migraine, just like chocolate, perfume or other better known triggers. Sinus pressure is my trigger and no amount of sinus medication helps. In fact I've had MRIs during high pressure pain going into a migrain and doctors are surprised to find clear nasal passages and no swelling.
Stress is not a common factor of migraines. Stress headaches, though quite painful do not have the physical aspects that migraines do. During a migraine your veins actually constrict blood flow, creating a painful pounding sensation.
As someone who suffered terribly for years, I get really frustrated when people claim that chiropractic procedures and massage can stop their migraines. If you suffered from a headache, and there are many kinds, yours was not a migraine if those procedures stopped your pain.
Kellye Copasof AL4:24PM September 25, 2008
Dear Cindy,
I am also a migraine surferer, not as severe as yours but I do get them monthly if not twice/month.
The only personal advice I can give you if your faith on God.
Perhaps giving all your suffering and pain to God can release you from it.
May God bless you.
Aof IN1:50PM September 14, 2008
I CAN NO LONGERAFFORD INSURANCE AND NEED HELP WITH BUYING
NANCY PEARSONof AZ3:14PM July 12, 2008
hand held Magnetic pulsing has been used to treat many ailments for a quite some time. (at least back to the 80's that i know of) if you do a search on google patents you'll see even more.) -it's been around (and accepted ) in parts of Europe for a very long time.
My cousin has been using one to good effect for headaches
and healing wounds for a few years now. (they esp accelerate bone healing) -it would be nice to see it actually accepted by the FDA, but I have serious doubts (unless they price it about $1000+ and make it prescription only) -several of the people sitting in the FDA are Ex-pharma employees and something like this would put a big dent in their business.
Learn to make one yourself or buy one of the well made ones sold outside the states. no need waiting for the FDA to to dance around the rosemary bush with the highest bidder. -while your at it, learn about bioelectric medicine in general, you'll be amazed at the amount of ailments (and how well) low volt/amp electricity can help. there are just a few (three or four) devices that cover a myriad of problems that us Americans have always been told only a drug can cure. -yet its widely used in other countries for decades.. -(russia helped alot n this regard as well)
-google and ye shall find..all one needs to know on the subject. -and get/make one that outputs at least 10,000 gauss (20k+ is preferred) expect to pay about $270-$350 for a good one. (action electronics is a great electronic parts source)
to start you on your learning journey, pick up a book called
"The Body Electric" by robert o. becker
-and if you get very angry about what you learn in your exploration, just be happy that your not in the dark anymore.
-s
Soundwashof NY3:31AM June 29, 2008
I have suffered from migraine headaches for over 20 years. I still get daily headaches, but nothing helps, neither preventative nor abortive. I have tried (1) all kinds of abortive medications, such as Over-the-counter painkillers, Triptans, injections, etc. (2) all kinds of preventative medications, such as antidepressants, bypolar meds, anticonvulsives, blood pressure meds, etc. (3) all kinds of diets to exclude types foods that could be trigers. (4) spinal blocks, (5) lumbar puncture, (6) resolving TMJ/TMD problems with 2 jaw surgeries, (7) chiropractors...
About five years ago I had to go on disability because of it. I am still searching for an effective treatment . I am on the fourth specialist to attempt to return to the work force and live a normal life. I welcome any research that may be able to help.
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pam of FL 1:03PM September 22, 2010
Kathy of 7:44PM January 26, 2009
Debbie of MO 12:56PM October 27, 2008
Dar of MI 5:15PM October 17, 2008
V of NV 9:17PM October 16, 2008
Kellye Copas of AL 4:24PM September 25, 2008
A of IN 1:50PM September 14, 2008
NANCY PEARSON of AZ 3:14PM July 12, 2008
Soundwash of NY 3:31AM June 29, 2008
Cindy of MI 3:26AM June 28, 2008