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Migraine Headache... day 3

Hi guys,
I was searching for an answer to my extreme constant migraine headaches. Two days ago, on Friday the 30th, I had that oncoming feeling of a migraine headache approaching, followed by this weird phenomenon of white spots. Now I have had this before, but the white spots were so severe, that it blurred my vision for several hours after they had disappeared. This is not normal in my book..

It is three days later now (the 2nd) and I still have my headache. It's in the upper right side of my head, above the temple, a typical place for a migraine headache it seems, and I'm still experiencing sensitivity to light and sound. My vision isn't blurred as much, but I still feel a lot of pressure in the upper back of my eyes.

Does anyone know if this is out of the ordinary or not? I've also been unable to eat without feeling sick soon after. I'm also pretty young, 18 year old girl, and this has been happening to me since the 6th grade (so when I was 12)

-Brittany
20 Responses
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Avatar universal
I have just gotten over a 9 day migraine, no medication will help with the pain, it makes me vomit constantly and just bring up bile, not very nice... is there any help out there ...that anyone nos of?
Helpful - 0
1619590 tn?1302315612
i know it's many months later, but BEWARE OF BIRTH CONTROL PILLS & MIGRAINES!!!!!!!  That's how mine started!!!
There's a huge hormone element to these migraines.  
This is super-long, but you might find my long battle story helpful.
maybe this will help-i'm pasting it many places, so sorry if you've seen it before!  
some part of it might connect with your story-
I've had these things for 14 yrs now, & this is the first time i've ever gotten involved w/ a forum!
lots of things to say that seem like might help others, so here goes!

there must be a genetic component, b/c my mom (i'm 35) has been able to guide me through it since she had the same thing. she hasn't had one (i think) since menopause, so we believe there's a hormone component.

i had my 1st one after being on the birth control pill for just under a year. sounds just like many stories: going numb on 1 side, but i completely could not communicate, talk, write, my vision went weird, hearing in & out-i woke up in the hospital cuz i blacked out completely. i literally thought i had gone crazy. the ER doc told me (i was only 21 & very naive!) it was a TIA brought on by the BC pill & to never go on it again, that some women couldn't handle the hormones.
we moved from CO (high altitude & 300 days of sun) to Chicago (not much sun & sea level), & for 8-9 yrs, i didn't have a single one. as soon as we moved back to CO, I had maybe 3 within a couple months, & a few more within our 3 yrs there.

mine were so bad a couple put me in the ER b/c i couldn't function & people around me didn't know what to do!
i also had never had headaches, but boy did i get a rude awakening!
mine slowly (maybe several minutes) went from tingly numbing face, hands, arms (usually 1 side, sometimes both) to worse & worse confusion, always losing my ability to communicate, read, write-anything. my husband has gotten used to it, keeping my kids away b/c i get really confused easily, then i cry b/c it's scary.
anyway, if i took a Maxalt right away, it would keep the headache at bay, then i'd need a solid 12 hrs to sleep, & i'd be pretty normal the next day-maybe just a bit tired.

they varied in severity. then we moved 2008 to China (sea level, completely different climate). i didn't have one the 1st year; i had a mild one the 2nd year, & i just had maybe my worst ever 2 wks ago. i had been convinced it was the altitude, sun, maybe dehydration. but not so apparently!
here's a theory: 3 mos. ago I had a D+C (that's basically having the uterus scraped out) for a year's worth of irregular bleeding. it could very well be the whole hormone theory wreaking havoc on my body. who knows.
but this aura was so bad that it made me more depressed than ever (thinking thoughts like "what if this is related to alzheimers & dementia like my grama? what if i lose my mental acuity more & more from this?" i've heard we suffer slight brain damage from these!). in the last couple years i have just felt like my mind is slipping, i'm not as quick as i used to be-not getting younger, right:)
importantly, the Maxalt simply didn't work this time. i had maybe the worst headache EVER-i was writhing in pain. i have the utmost sympathy now for sufferers. i was also confused from the moment i woke 7am for maybe 8-10hrs, but still slow for days after. yes, i need help. i don't have the medical care till summer, but will for sure get it!
i am now working part time, so it's not necessarily stress, although i do have 1.5 special needs kids (1 pretty needy, the other not as much)
hand tingling & overall cloudiness of mental state has become normal almost daily occurances, but i notice less if i'm active & outdoors.  
i just have to acknowledge that at least i'm at peace about it b/c of strong faith. God will take care of me & lead me to the right doctors & medication & won't give me more than i can handle. look to Him, the Great Physician...
-fellow sufferer
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
It is good to hear that the headache has resolved. Try also the relaxation techniques and biofeedback therapy in case it recurs or the soreness persists. Take care and do keep us posted with your gynecological consult.
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Avatar universal
It finally went away after 11 days. The medicine in shot form was temporary, my mom never got the Rx filled that the doctor prescribed... so I had to suffer basically.
bright lights and loud noises still (always) irritate me, it's always been that way.
And I do get sore in the back of my head to the right of the cerebellum.

Thanks for all your help!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
How are you? Are there other symptoms present? Pain at the back of head or neck that intensifies on movement may be due to inflammation of the blood vessels of the head or bony changes in the structures of the neck. The cause of pain is unknown but  anti-inflammatory drugs and  muscle relaxants may help provide relief. Try to maintain a normal blood pressure as well. If it persists, have this checked by your doctor for proper management. Take care and best regards.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Britt,
How are you now? If the medications given by your doctor are not working, inform them for a change of prescription. There are plenty of migraines medications and sometimes trial and error is done to find the best drug suited for you. You may also want to try biofeedback therapy and other relaxation techniques. Rest, ice packs and  avoidance of triggers also help. Hang on and take care always.
Helpful - 0
1307474 tn?1273338485
i have a mirgrain every time the temperture changes, wind, rain, snow.  Ive seen a neurologist still know docter has been able to help me.  I have a migrain almost daily, the only thing that works is maxalt rpd .  It  get worst every year, it started 20 years ago, when i stoped taking birthcontrol.  i do have allergy rynithis, on top of it.  My pain startes with  titnes of the neck then comes the main on top of the head, and , it could be at amy time the the day or night . Can you help me.  
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Avatar universal
STILL HAVE THIS HEADACHE. :[[[
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Avatar universal
I went to my doctors appt. and they have me a shot of some kind of muscle relaxer to help the pain (but it did nothing) until my Rx got filled at walgreens. I don't remember exactly what it was but I'll check once I get it. It's a take as needed migraine pill for further uses on it.
I still have the headache, and it's day 8. I have to see a gynecologist to see if I need birth control pills, and get a papsmere done because I've yet to do so.

The next step will be to see a neurologist.

as for the eyes, my vision is always changing, every 6 months. So it'll be hard to pinpoint anything, especially since the eyes are only affected when I have pressure in my head and the white spots.

I'll keep you updated.

-Britt
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Brittany,

How are you? How was you appointment with your doctor? I hope you were well during your exam. You may also want to have your eyes checked to rule out any problems. Take care and  hope to hear from you soon!
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Avatar universal
That is too bad :(    

That's why I recommended going to the ER; at least they could have given you a Rx for your migraines until you were able to get a doctor's appointment.  

Hopefully your test goes well.  

Keep us posted.
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Avatar universal
AP means Advanced Placement, I'm in college courses, but in High School. In order to get the college credit, we need to take an AP exam and pass it.

I'm seeing a doctor tomorrow after school. Unfortunately it's after my AP test for English, so I won't be better in time for that...
it's Day 6 by the way... and I still have a headache.
it's dieing out, but even so, this is not normal.
and it hurts to read!
hopefully the doctor will fix me haha(:

-Brittany
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, go get a Rx for the migraines.  An A&P test (Anatomy and Physiology?)  Yes, after taking a test like that, you will need something strong to take for your head. :(  

Hopefully, the physician will order some type of scan for your head along with giving you a Rx for the migraines.  

Please take care of yourself and good luck with your exam. :)

Keep us posted.  
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
Were you able to see your doctor? It is great to know that you are feeling better. I agree with getting a prescription especially if the over-the-counter medications you are taking do not work well as before. Further evaluation using diagnostic modalities like CT scan may also help rule out any problems. Take care and do keep us posted.
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Avatar universal
I still have a headache today, not as severe, but it's now the fourth day.
1. I have had a CAT scan before, but not recently. But I'm not allergic to anything.. or have I had sinus problems in the past, I don't think that's it.
2. I have been stressed, but not too out of the normal stress-level. Schools finishing, I'm more excited than stressed for that, and I'm pretty happy, healthy, and athletic.
3. The ice usually helps A LOT. But for some reason, this time it only stopped it temporarily. It's still difficult to read with my eyes since Friday, and I have AP testing tomorrow, which is essentially my final exams, so that's not good.
4. I don't have extreme medication, only Tylenol Migraine pills, so they're over the counter.


Should I get a prescription for these headaches? I am seeing the doctor tomorrow.
thanks for alllll your help!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Brittany,
How are you? Rest, ice packs and medications may help provide relief. However, if it still persists, and your medications do not help, have this evaluated by your doctor for proper management. It would also help to identify the possible triggers of your migraine to prevent recurrences. Cluster headaches are also primary headaches like migraine but presents with excruciating pain in the vicinity of eye.  It is also possible that a combination of these primary headaches occur. Check with your doctor to rule this out as well. Take care and do keep us posted.  
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Avatar universal
Please go to the ER and get assessed.  This is NOT normal and you have already had this migraine for days.  Sounds like you are having migraines with auras (i.e. seeing white spots).  There you can get a CT scan or MRI of your head (MRI preferably), labs, etc.  

Keep us posted.
Helpful - 0
1286930 tn?1531398608
This sounds like very strong migraine's.

Place an ice pack on the back of your neck, and purchase Cool Ezz Strips sold at vons, walmart or rite aide.   These gell strips get cold real fast and will help.

when you feel the head aches coming on, place the get strip on your forehead right away.  Drinks lots of water, get to a dark room and stay away from loud noice.

you must avoid stress as much as you can so you will need to look strongly at your life.  Only you know what you will have to avoid.   Crying also makes these types of headaches, so remember to avoid any type of stress.

See a  neurologist, and get an MRI done.  This will note is you have had any type of minor stroke.  

I wish you well.  I am 49 years old and and it took me years to figuare out what to avoid.   You are very young and just know its the time in your life when stress should not be a major factor.  If it is school, talk to your teachers and counselors if there is something that you can not handle or are having problems with.  Be honest with your parents and let them know the things that you see different as opposed to their views.  Learn to have good communication with your parens as they are the only ones to walk thru fire for you.    Ask for behavior counselors through the school.  This will allow you to learn to determ boundaries.  Remember that there is not anything that can not wait.  

Your life and learning how to live a happy life is very important.  Only you know where your boundaries it will take to bring you happiness as living a healthy life is important.   What I am trying to say is, that even though medication is important, you also have to see how it will affect your other organs in the long term-kidneys/liver..... and you need to learn to be in control of your life.

I have a son whom is about to go in to the 12th grade and prepping to be on his own.  With him being my only Son, both of us are learning to let go and also making sure that all the independant tools I have tought him he places into motion.   My best wishes and remember that at the end of the game.....you will find a happy midium.

Helpful - 0
1093617 tn?1279302002
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi, Thank you for your question.  Generally, one sided headache & orbital pain (eye pain and blurred vision) are common symptoms of migraine. The mainstay of the migraine treatment is always to identify the triggering factors and to avoid them. Triggering factors could be stress or depression, bright lights, loud noise, certain food and traveling. Few women experience headache more commonly during the time of their menstrual periods & at the time of hormonal imbalance. I would suggest careful record of events that have proceeded with the attack and avoid those factors. In addition, try to rest in a dark & quiet room, meditate, have a balanced diet and avoid taking unnecessary drugs. Even then if you suffer continuous headache, please arrange an appointment with a neurologist right away who will evaluate the further underlying disorders by clinically examine you & ordering MRI or CT scan here that may be the main reasons of your migraine attacks and can provide you an appropriate treatment. Hope this information proves helpful to you. Take Care & Regards!!!

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Avatar universal
Hi Brittany,
Have you ever had a CAT scan done on your sinuses? Ethmoid sinuses (the ones behind your nose bridge and eyes can be tricky to diagnose for infections or mucoid cysts that create pressure when they seal off from swelling. Often these cysts form from years of sinus problems (usually allergies) and create thick tissue that, when removed, gives the victim relief from their pain...Nasal polyps can create similar symptoms.Have you noticed an association with barometric pressure (air pressure) changes and you head pains? I hope this helps...:) ~MM
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