Question about migraines

[jessica061603]

I get migraines very frequently, almost 3-4 times a month. The one I have currently has lasted about 1 week. They usually last a few days to a week. They are getting so bad I cant move, light kills me, I cant sneeze or cough or talk or anything. I get them really badly on the left side of my head, and with this one, when I bend over to pick up my child or something like that I get this sharp shooting pain in my left temple and the left side of my face gets partially paralyzed. This is the worst it has ever been. They started when I was pregnant with my second child, then they would get so bad I couldnt eat or drink and had to go into the doctors for IV fluids every few days. Im not sure what to do about these now, I dont usually go to the doctor for them now, I have 3 children and its hard to get out. Does anyone have any suggestions about this? I heard something about a possible brain tumor???

[Heiferly]

I forgot to mention, as you are probably very concerned about the facial paralysis, this can indeed be a symptom of certain forms of migraine.  Offhand, I know that it is characteristic of hemiplegic migraine, but it may be present in other forms.  You may want to ask about that in the neurology expert forum, but definitely mention it to your doctor as it will help them to diagnose which form of migraines you have.  

[Heiferly]

A brain tumor is very far down in terms of probability as the cause of migraines, so you can probably put that concern to rest.  You say that you don't usually go to the doctor for them, but considering the length/severity of the migraines you are describing, you really ought to consider seeking treatment.  There are different forms of treatment for migraines.  There are medicines that are migraine preventatives that you would take on a daily basis to reduce the number of migraines you get in the first place (or in the best case scenario, eliminate them altogether).  Popular migraine preventatives include Topamax, Amitriptyline/Elavil, Valproic Acid/Depakote, or high blood pressure medications such as Propranolol.  If you do get a migraine, there are "abortative" medications designed to be taken at the first sign of the migraine coming on to stop it in its tracks.  These include Imitrex, Maxalt, Ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot), and Midrin.  There are also medications for nausea that can be taken if this accompanies your migraine (e.g., phenergan, compazine).  With so many treatment options available (and you may have to try a few before you find what works best for you), hopefully you can find some relief and not have to suffer through these migraines on your own anymore.  If your general practitioner/family doctor isn't comfortable treating migraines, a good neurologist should be able to help you.  

At the top of the community there is a link to "Health Pages."  If you click on that you will find one that is a Headache and Migraine FAQ that will give you more information.

Good luck!