can anyone help?

[Bridmacg]

Hi,

I’m posting here in the hope that someone will have experienced my condition and have some helpful advice. I was diagnosed with chronic migraine 2 years ago, having already battled it for 2 years. I have continuous light sensitivity to a varying degree each day. I haven’t been able to watch TV for 4 years since the flickering images cause me nausea and a fainting feeling. This year, to add to this, I’m very sound sensitive. This leaves me unable to leave my house very often or for very long. My neurologist has me on amitriptyline and magnesium and I have completed 2 rounds of botox, all to no avail. I have had neurological exams and MRI and CT scans that show nothing. I would very much appreciate any advice.

[Paulma2010]

I cut out all artificial sweeteners. You MUST do this. Then I realized that my mouthwash contained a variant of saccharin(worst of all the fake sugars) in it. I stopped using it and all symptoms finally stopped.

[Bridmacg]

Thanks for the advice AKC_75,

there's a lot of advice there and i will definitely try them. i'll let you know how i get on. I'm also going to see about having wisdom teeth taken out. they have given me a few minor symptoms for years (a little swelling, pressure in the side of my face and up to my temple and occasionally pain) but i think they must be contributing to my migraines. again, i'll let you know how that goes.

i'm glad to hear those tips work for you and hope you are doing ok,

thanks again

[AKC_75]

Hi and welcome to the Migraines & Headaches Community.

Here are some OTC tips that have helped me in the past.


1. There are several symptoms of migraines and what causes the pain of a migraine is the blood vessels in your brain become dilated. So, sometimes it helps it you put a bit of pressure on your head. I am sure you have already been doing this unconsciously with your hands from time to time. So, get a bandanna or a cloth headband and wrap it snugly around your head.
2. If you rub Mentholatum across your forehead and on your temples that helps relax those tense muscles. You can do this with or without the wrap, depending on if you like the heat or not.
3. Try either a cold or hot pack, whichever is more comfy to you.
4. The best OTC meds that I have found that works is Excedrin. It is a combo of Aspirin, Tylenol and Caffeine and that happens to be an excellent combo for migraines.
5. I mentioned caffeine before...well, drink coffee, Mt Dew, take Vivirin...sometimes a mega dose of caffeine will stop it in its tracks.
6. If you get nauseous or dizzy get some Meclizine from the pharmacy (the stuff behind the counter) you can take 25mg three times a day as needed. Yes it works on both.