I have suffered spuraticly from migraines for the last 25 years. I've been on 50 mg of topimax for approximately 8 years. In July I experienced a 6 day long migraine. Ever since I have fought headaches on a daily basis and full blown migraine 2 to 3 times per week. Dr. put me on imitrex and increased topimax to 100mg with no response. Then switched to fiorinal (no relief) and 200mg topimax (made me a zombie). Had an MRI done and I have an appointment with a neurologist in January but am at a loss. Has anyone experienced this or heard of this happening?
Good morning
I am under a Neurologist at the RVI and have been diagnosed with Chronic Migraine. Chronic as unfortunately for the past 7 years, every moment of every day I have migraine.
I have frontal, temporal, orbital, and facial pain with constant throbbing and pressure pain ranging on a good day from 5/10 to 9/10 on a worse day when I am then usually defeated and come home from work.
I am light and noise sensitive, and it is constant.
I am on 200mg of topirimate daily without much relief.
I saw my Neurologist again yesterday she has said as medication isn't really taking much effect we really now need to start looking into triggers/causes. By chance through the standard initial consultation questions regarding lifestyle, when asked about sleep my husband mentioned my snoring, to cut a long story short I sleep well but always feel exhausted so the Neurologist wants to test me for obstructive sleep apnoea which is linked as a trigger of migraine. So I came home with an apnoea device and did my study last night!
She also wants me to start 500 mg of magnesium to see if that helps and I will see her again once the results of this study are back.
At this point because I have tried so many medications, (amitriptyline, gabapentin, venfalaxin, propanol) I'm willing to try anything.
I have reduced my caffeine intake to 2-3 cups if tea a day ( i don't drink coffee at all) I have lost a stone since may, and will try to continue with with loss. The Neurologist recommends exercise which gets your heart racing to help with migraine.
I really hope this helps and I'm sure when you see someone in January they will be giving similar advice regarding lifestyle choices so if you can look at those before you see them you may have an advantage.
Good luck
Hi Vickster
after menapause I started to get migraines..a couple times a month...not many but they were bad causing me to go to the ER. I have to take rizatriptian on the onset and lay down to try and fight it off. Went to neurologist and he wants me to be able to take a medication on the onset without having to lay down. Relpax is next...I hear it's very good stronger than triptans.
I really like "everything" your neurologist is recommending for migraines. Caffeine is a real trigger along with chocolate . Alcohol is not good as well. Magnesium....excercise....etc is all so good! The more natural the better. Sleep is very important as well. Stay with that doctor!!
Migraines are horrible! I am so sorry that both of you are suffering with so many! Please try all these things that are recommended.....also...DRINK ALOT OF WATER!
please keep us all posted!
Best,
Wendy
Migraines are dreadful. I wish I had something more than the hug I send.
kind regards
judith
Do you have other health issues? I too had this. I was diagnosed with an auto inmune disease 12 or so years ago after a long time suffering. I have a form of vasculitis. I went round in circles for a long time. Neurologists and headache specialists ent ...hou name it. None were able to help and no migraine treatment worked. My advice would be have your inflammatory markers checked and ana blood test. Look for an underlying cause. This kind of migraine syndrome is common to conditions loke Lupus. Very difficult to get these conditions diagnosed.
Hi there, I have suffered from migraines for 20 years now. Im curious what specific magnesium are you taking? I think that really helped me a few years ago but I ran out and then couldn't find the brand I was taking before. I would wake up with the headaches--they're not as bad as they used to be; I take 20 mg Noritriptylene each night and it helps a little bit. But if I could get that exact dose/type of magnesium, I feel that could help again. And how are you doing now since your last post?
My neuroloist has me on:
500 mg Magnesium taken late aftenoon
160 mg propanolol taken morning
3 mg melatonin taken two hours before bedtime
1000 mg acetaminophen taken two hours before bedtime
50 mg nortryptline taken two hours before bedtime
5 mg oxycodone taken as needed as last resort
it took me a bit to get adjusted....now I am delighted to report my migraines are less frequent and less in intensity