Please help! Daily Migraines taking over my life!

In october I went from having one migraine a week, to having one every other day.  It has progressively increased to where I now have up to 3 seperate migraines a day or a severe migraine that lasts 2-3 days.  I've completely lost all interest in food due to nausea with migraines and the sounds of eating kill my head.  So I have to force myself to eat atleast once a day.  I've also been experiencing extreme pulsating tinnutis in my left ear with ear pain.  The whooshing does not help with my migraines at all.  The smallest things seem to set off my migraines and I wake up in the middle of the night with a full-blown migraine EVERY night now.

I'm have been on topomax (topamax) but it increased my migraines. I have been on Depakote 500 mg a day, magnesium 400mg a day, imipramine 30mg; for preventive measures to no avail.  This was with Imitrex and Naproxen 1000 mg a day for treatment of migraines and headaches.  After still not helping with a month on these meds and migraines increasing, mri/mra results came back fine, today I was increased to 1000mg a day Depakote, others the same, added another preventive med, and maxalt to alternate with the imitrex.

I don't drink anything but water, don't eat chocolate, icecream, eat lunchmeat, smoke, drink, etc.  I avoid all items I can that may or may not cause migraines,  yet they seem to increase in severity and length everyday.  My doctor has mentioned possibly having injections of botox or steroids around my hairline on neck and forehead.  Is there anything else that can be done?  Anything that would cause this that we are overlooking?  Any help is appreciated!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

It appears that you have been assessed thoroughly and what you have seems to be a severe case of migraine.

You have mentioned of having tinnitus. I suggest that you have a thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist. An evaluation of your ears and sinuses may be necessary to rule out a localized disease in these structures. With regards to nerve blocks, this form of therapy is given to severe forms of headaches. You may discuss this with your physician as some forms of headaches like occipital neuralgia may respond to this form of therapy. However, nerve blocks may be repeated after 2 to 3 months.

Ask for a referral with a therapist, I feel you may benefit from behavioral therapy. Also relaxation techniques and acupuncture may be able to help. I suggest that you try to explore these areas of alternative treatment to complement your current forms of management.

[nikilotta7]

I have seen an ENT, had ct scan and xrays of sinus and all is clear.  I have participated in both meditation and yoga for 8 + years.  It doesnt seem to have an effect as I wake up with them in the middle of the night with no stress in sight.  

I also have insulin resistant PCOS, kidney stones, asthma, and have had my gallbladder, appendix, and colon removed in previous procedures. I'm 28/f.  I can't figure out what changed from one migraine a month to constant migraines.  Any ideas? Thanks for the help!

[jacee1967]

Wow girl you have had it tough!!! 28 and all of that?????  Hun if you can handle all that you have already been trough you can stay tough enough to get through these migraines. It is such a process of elimination with  meds that it takes a while to find what works for each person.

Stay tough.. believe in yourself!! you are a tough young lady.. with the help of docs and support groups you can do this.

i went from nothing to daily headaches pretty much over night, no rhyme or reason to it. some of us are just lucky like tht i guess. lol

look more into the steriod injections.. I got a little relief from them,, the nerve blockers that is. maybe it will work for you, some people get weeks of pain free.. I only got 2 days.. but you may be differant.

either way.. good luck to you .. be strong!!

[nikilotta7]

Thank you for the support. I'm glad to hear someone else has tried the nerve blocks.  I'm hoping if I choose that way it will last a bit.  Its frustrating to say the least.

[Kendall78]

I have been researching a lot lately as much migraine auras have been increasing. Two things I found that you may want to look up are: Liver.. look up Dr. Cabot's site ****.com and the other is called cerebral hypertension. Also, how are your hormones? You may want to check out a hormone balance test online ( there are a lot of them) ... I hope this helps!

[nikilotta7]

I have been tested for both cerbral hypertension, more specifically psuedotumor cebri, and liver functions, due to meds I used to be on to monitor the levels. :-( Both came back negative and fine.  I'm going to my gp to ask them to check my hormone levels again because of my insulin resistant pcos to make sure they aren't totally out of whack before I decide to get injected with steroids which will make them go insane.

[edensgreen]

Hi Nikilotta,
I come from a migraine family, and have done intensive research on them since I began getting severe migraine a year after the birth of my son, I was about 40.  Before that I got them for many years, but they were easy to dispel (2 aspirin and a sleep-gone)
To cut a long story short, I have identified some 50 triggers, most of which are food, which I now keep completely away from ingesting. Others are prescription medicines, and there are dozens of these.
But keeping away from the triggers is only the start.  To heal the body, more needs to be done.
I would highly recommend you look up the Wilsons Syndrome website.  There are many reported statements here from migraineurs who are pain free after treatment.  Also I recommend you read books/information re blood sugar levels, insulin and migraine. Also, female hormones which are out of balance are presumed to influence migraine.  But, perhaps the underlying physiology is the high Reverse T3, as treated in Wilsons Syndrome.  Well, after reading this website, I have decided to post my triggers on a website of my own. But for starters, keep away from citrus, honey, teas, many brands of coffee (Moccona is a good brand for me) alcohol, strong nuts, and the other commonly known trigger foods. Also, floral perfumes, sprays, car fumes etc. Once you start eliminating the triggers, you won't get the headaches as often, and you can concentrate on actually healing your body, rather than depending on addressing the symptoms (pain).
As a matter of information, In his book "Victory over Migraine" which is highly recommended reading, Professor Low cites cortisone as one of many prescription drug triggers. Also Salicylic acid (in aspirin,) and Valium. Very good luck to you.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Classical migraine headaches may later transform into chronic daily headaches secondary to medicaton overuse.This is usually the case if analgesics and other migraine medications have been used for greater that 15 days each month for at least 3 months.In cases, wherein the headaches have been  frequent,chronic daily headaches may ensue .

Is this applicable in your case?

[nikilotta7]

My neurologist originally thought that I was having rebound headaches from excedrin migraine. I was taking one dose everytime I got a migraine. That was prior to Jan. Since then I have not taken any over the counter meds. My migraines became more and more frequent on topomax (topamax) and imitrex, so I was switched to depakote and magnesium.  By these time my migraines had doubled in strength and frequency.  About 10 days ago he doubled the depakote, added maxalt and verapamil.  I'm not getting headaches as much as an achy feeling inbetween migraine attacks.  I was more concerned about my slurred speech, mixing up words, vertigo, falling down , and ear pain, until recently when my migraines got so bad I can't watch tv, drive, read, or work.  I wake up roughly between 3 and 4 am every morning with a full blown migraine, shake it off finally around 10a-11a, get another by 3 or 4 pm, shake it off in a few hours, and if I'm lucky I don't get another that night but most days I do.  The slightest sounds, lights, set it off.  I try not to take imitrex or maxalt until I have a really bad one.  Most of the times its 5-6 days apart between taking because honestly I don't like taking meds and I'm used to them by now.  I keep taking the preventive meds on the daily basis in hopes that they may take.  I think we are going to see if they new med combo works on the 24th, and reevaluate.  He wants to know my decision on the nerve block at that time.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

You may need to look into other options of therapy to supplement your medical treatment. Have you tried acupuncture? I also suggest that you be referred to a therapist for behavioral therapy.

An alternative medicine specialist may help provide relief when needed. This may be essential as headaches need to be treated wholistically. There are environmental and psychological factors that come into play with headaches and medical treatament may not be enough when treating this.

I suggest that you ask your physician for a referral to an alternative medicine specialist. Acupuncture and reiki (japanese palm healing) may help.

I understand how frustrating this is for you. With what you have recently posted ,this appears to be a form of basilar migraine that you have.

[nikilotta7]

I have seen a therapist on a regular basis for many years, as well as counseling due to childhood issues. I even check in with my psychatrist every 3 months.  When I started with severe fatigue two years ago, my old primary didnt know what was wrong with me so they assumed I was depressed.  All the therapists and my psychatrist agree it's not. I work for a family business out of my grandmother's home.  Its very non stressful. I got engaged to a wonderful man.  My personal business I do on the side has been doing quite well.  Everything is up in my life and I have a pretty upbeat outlook minus these migraines that are holding me back.

I have recently considered acupuncture, I'm not sure if that's the route for me or not. I have tried supplements especially with my lack of colon and pcos in the past.  They did not work well for me because of absorption issues. :-(

Thank you for your all help. I did research basilar migraine and it sounds like it incorporates a lot of my symptoms. I'm going to mention it to my neurologist when I see him next week. Thank you!

[nursegirl6572]

I don't have too too much to add except an old cliche to keep your chin up...you have been so proactive and tried to stay on top of this.  I'm so sorry you are suffering, but once you find the RIGHT answer....combination of triggers you may not have identified, and proper treatment, you'll be able to function more!

ONE question I do have for you.....do you get migraines in ANY location, or are they worse at home?  Perhaps there could be a trigger in your home?  Because certainly, when you are feeling that lousy, I'm sure the majority of your time is spent there, trying to get back on your feet.  

Just something to think about.  Best of luck to you.....certainly makes my 6 day headache pale in comparison.  It's simply amazing what people go through.  You sound like a tough gal!  :0)  Hang in there!

[nikilotta7]

Thank you for the support.  The don't seem to have one particular place they get triggered just light or loud places, but sometimes even while sleeping, or at work.  I can be fine and watch a tv show them wham! or try to read a book.  I've had my eyes checked and they are 20/20 so not related to that :-(.  I just seem to be missing out on alot of things lately with friends, family, and just things I used to enjoy like music.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Yes, you may want to discuss the possibility of a basilar migraine as a diagnosis. This is a complex type of migraine and giving this as a diagnosis requires careful assessment and exclusion of other possible conditions.

I believe you have had a complete assessment before ,including determination of  blood coagulation factor levels? The auras of basilar migraines include slurring of speech and problems with one's sense of balance but most of these auras should last less than an hour. In other cases, the auras may last longer.

It is important to have your headaches classified, as management for basilar or complex migraines differ from the classic migraines.

[nikilotta7]

Hmmm.. well mine seem to be pretty constant. Then again I either have or migraine, or in an inbetween break, or getting a migraine.  I'm not sure on testing on blood coagulation factors but I did have the ct scan, mri, and mra with contrast.  I'm not sure if its a side effect of my meds or not but this past week I can't seem to keep my hands and feet warm, even my face, and I live in Florida where its been in the 80s.  I'm going to run it by my gp and neuro as well.

[nikilotta7]

My problem is not based on electromagnetic sensitivity.  I can get my symptoms sitting in my bedroom reading, and there are no electronics in the room, just sunlight can cause my symptoms because bright lights tend to set it off.  If I was electromagnectic sensitive I would of had these symptoms loooooooooooooooooong ago.  As I have been hospitalized many times, some as long as 6 months, starting as early as age 6.  The tests I have gone through you wouldnt even know.  Thanks for your opinion but please do not post in my thread unless you have something new to post. Thank you!

[hava]

I see that you have done yoga, so you will be familiar with pranayam.Yog asanas help the body hardware, and pranayam helps the body software(internal systems).You might have done the pranayam, but for short duration.The extra timing as suggested below devoted to pranayam, will help the body to fight the underlying cause of the migraine.As you are familiar, you will be able to reap the benefit in days.I suggest you follow the simplified breathing as described, and do not do any holding of breath.The aim is to get the maximum oxygen into the body(blood), and force out maximum amount of carbon dioxide.
Build up your timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after 1 minute.
Kapalbhati -(Do it before eating) Push air forcefully out through the nose about once per second. Stomach will itself go in(contract in). The breathing in(through the nose) will happen automatically. Establish a rhythm and do for upto 15 minutes twice a day.(Max 60 min/day) Not for pregnant women. Seriously ill people do it gently.

Anulom Vilom -  Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril  
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril  
then -keeping the left nostril closed  deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 20 to 30  minutes twice a day(maximum 60 minutes in one day).
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep breaths into the lungs.

Bhramri Pranayam -Close eyes. Close ears with thumb, index finger on forehead, and rest three fingers on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in through nose. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee.
Duration : 5 to 15 times