Hindbrain regional migraines

[kkessell]

I have a cousin who gets about 3-4 migraines per week.  She has had so many different tests done with no results or explainations.  Blood work fine, no tumors, no neurological problems.  She has had sleep studies, kept a food log, and even elimated foods from her diet.  She currently is taking Frova at the onset, but she gets more migraines than she can take meds for.  Her migraines start at the base of her skull (hindbrain region) and work upward, sometimes engulfing the whole head.  Her symptoms after that are typical.  Vision issues, nausea, dizziness, etc.  Any suggestions on what additional tests to ask to be done?  Medication(s) to request?  Type of doctor, such as a neurologist or chiropractor, any suggestion?  We live in the Portland, OR area of the Pacific Northwest, so if you know of a doctor or specialist in our area, please give me his/her information.  My cousin is only 33yrs old, please help me to help her.  Thank you.

[kkessell]

Thank you soooooooo much for your responses and suggestions.  I have already forwarded to my cousin to start looking into.  Big hugs to you!!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
I would suggest you to ask your cousin to try magnesium supplements which have shown very good effect in preventing migraine. Other treatment options include biofeedback therapy and acupressure.
You can refer to Oregon headache clinic which has several good headache specialists.
http://www.migrainesurvival.com/clinic.html
Hope this helps!

[Lilylelani]

I have chronic migraine and have been seeing a neurologist for over 8 years.  I have tried a few medications, but now take Hydrocodone APAP 7.5, which I understand is a mix of an OTC and a narcotic.  It works for me.  I average 30 pills a month, and was once using only 10, but it is still working.  This past year has been extraordinarily bad for me with regard to headaches!  Even though I have no allergies, according to my tests, in the spring and fall I get them much worse. Then when winter comes, I am usually sick for a week or two.  It tapers off and then starts back in early spring. Summer is generally good for me, though, if I stay out of the heat and humidity.  

I would greatly suggest that your cousin see a Neurologist or other pain management specialist. Have all of the tests needed to rule out anything other than migraine. There are many different types of migraine. Vestibular, cerebellum, classic, with aura, etc...

Wish you well.