Severe Headaches

[Shadowsama]

Since I was young I have been having migraines. Usually quite painful, sensitivity to noise and light, nausea, etc. But recently I have been having cluster like headaches. Usually more sound sensitive then light sensitive. I feel ice-pick like pains in my temples to my forehead and to my eyes. It is extremely excruciating. I have never experienced anything like this before and I am just recently 18.

Now, I read that these headaches can be related to stress. Which I have been having a lot of problems with lately. I have been having full-blown panic attacks that hyperventilate me and I usually end up going to the hospital for and even scare them. I take Pexeva 30 mg. As a preventative for my migraines I recently started and ended taking 5 mg of Topamax I found I was having insomnia and stopped because it was one thing to have headaches all day everyday with a full nights rest, it's another to have it on 2-5 hours of sleep. I have been taking Maxalt for the migraines as a quick fix but found it isn't working. Instead Excedrine Migraine is working somewhat better.

Do you have any recommendations? I have gotten blood work and a CAT scan recently and they saw it to be normal. I haven't manage to seen a Neurologist yet and this is really excruciating, any help is welcome.

[Shadowsama]

I didn't know about the Excedrine but I know that Midol helped cause one of my panic attacks. I am almost immune to Advil, I have to take 5 for any results. And benedryl makes me go completely confused and disorentied. Thankfully chinese food doesn't bother me but I can't or rather avoid chocolate and cheese because of my lactose intolerance and IBS

[LifesAHeadache]

HI, I'm so sorry for your pain.  I'm there with you a lot.  Make an appt now to see a board certified neurologist now.  It takes a while to get in with some and there are other preventatives that can help.  Also, Excedrine Migraine has a healthy dose of caffiene which will help bring on a panic attack.  Many people with Migraines are prone to panic attacks so that isn't anything to worry about other than you "think you're dying when you have one!"  As you can tell I get them too.  Since you have Migraine and Panic, tell your Neuro - one of the Antidepressants could be a good preventative for both.  There are actually SSRI's, SSNI's, and Tricyclics just to name some classes.  IN other words you still have lots of options.   I would also try to work in some Advil (Ibuprofen) because of its anti-inflammatory response.  And liquid benedryl (children's but has adult dosing) will put you to sleep and help with anxiety until you get in to see the doctor.  Since I am not a doc - run it by your pharmacist before you take them.  Pharmacists can really help until you get into the doc.  Also, Migraines dehydrate you, so does caffeine.  If you are constipated, start on a stool softener until you are going every day and a healthy amount.  (sorry for the details but if you have a trigger food in you system, it will keep attacking you until it is out.)  Lastly, does chinese food bother you?  If it does than look up the list of all the foods that people who take MAO-I's can't eat.  Try avoiding them.  It is a more complete list of old standby's like - don't eat aged cheese, wine, chocolate.  This list will show you things you never thought you couldn't have.  Do you know that if these bother you, then you should not eat leftovers that are more than 48 hours old even if they have been refridgerated.  They build up Tyramine.  That is what is in the aged cheese etc...  Good Luck and let us know how you are doing.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Excedrine or the conventional OTC painkillers work best in most cases of migraine. You should go ahead and use them but watch out for any symptoms of heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux as a side effect. Also you should try some antianxiety medication like alprazolam to help you get adequate sleep. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and smoking. Avoid stress, strong light, loud noise etc. Adequate sleep at night is important and you could try reading a book, taking a warm shower or listening to soft music just before you sleep. Also try some breathing exercises and yoga. If you are still symptomatic you should consult an appointment with your neurologist and discuss your symptoms with him. Goodluck.