Chronic Migraine Headache

[kiran07kk]

Hi,
Im suffering from Chronic Migraine since 15 years.Initially it is responding to new medication,but for the next time those medication not works.i have tried amitryptiline, naproxen,nara tryptan,divalproex etc.right now acute attacks are becoming more frequent, and it reduced my quality of sleep. paracetamol and naproxen are not working now. mine is a    migraine without aura, associated with all over head through out the day.i have consulted somany neurologists but their rx works for first time only. as a medical doctor i dont know what to do now.....can any one suggest expert advise.
thanks in advance.
dr.kiran

[kiran07kk]

Thanks for your suggestion.
yes ,i don't have problem with hydrocephalus.
i tried beta blockers too like propronolol for longer times along with amitryptiline . they worked well but not for more than 3 years.as i increased amitryptiline dosage, I'm becoming more drowsy and getting withdrawal tachycardia after i stop propronolol..now im using divalproex 250 mg. i hope this will help me this time too.

[Ball123]

Can the hydrocephalus be treated in any way? Maybe with blood thinners or something? Diamox to lower pressure?

But since you respond initially to new drugs I guess it is not so likely that your problems come from the stenosis.

Then the question is how to treat the migraine/tension headaches.

You have tried a lot of drugs. But a lot of them you must increase after a time because what usually happens is that the drug helps in the beginning but then not since the body sort of gets used to it. Then you must increase the dosage. I don't know if you have done that?

Amitriptyline for example should be a good drug to try in your case since it works well for these kinds of mixed headaches. But the effect wears off and the dosage must be increased after a while.

Maybe you should give it another try under the supervision of a headache expert?

Otherwise it is usually good to try drugs from a new class. If you have already tried antideppressants and anticonvulsants your next try should be an antihypertensive drug for example.

Have you tried any beta blockers? It might be a good idea.

Topomax might also be a good candidate since it is usually very effective and also lower the intracranial pressure a bit, which might help your hydrocephalus at the same time.

You must keep trying new drugs until you find something that works. But you must try them in the right way so that you don't throw away a drug that would maybe have helped.

Also remember to change yourlifestyle as much as you can to avoid triggers. Every day should look as much as the other as possible. No shift work or meals at strange times. Remember to go jogging lightly if you are healthy enough. It can help.

Good luck and keep us updated!

And most importantly, don't give up. Fight through this!

[kiran07kk]

and i have mild Hydrocephalus due to aquiductal stenosis