headache, allergies and face spasms

[evynn]

I am new here but I am very nervous about some of the symptoms I have been experiencing for the last 3 weeks. I will try to supply you with as much information as I possibly can for a proper diagnosis/advice. I am a 23 year old female and I have always had an issue with my allergies. The weather has been up and down for the past month here in New Orleans. I recently developed a migraine about 3 weeks ago (one of the worst ive had in almost 2 years). I figured it was another simple sinus issue getting to me once again and didn't pay much attention to anything just took 2 advil and tried to lay down to get the headache to go away. Following that horrendous day with a migraine, I developed a mild eye twitch in the upper lid of my right eye. The twitch persisted for what now would be almost 3 weeks. A week and a half into the twitching my upper lip on the right side (same exact side of the twitch in my eye). I am in good health with the exception that I am a smoker. I've cut down on caffeine intake as well as how much I smoke to about 25% now, as well as, go to the gym when I have down time as a natural stress reliever. The twitching has not yet come to a hault, and it's starting to get aggravating as well as become noticeable at my job. Originally, it was a mild twitch in my eye and now when it decides to have a spasm, it is much stronger and pulls a little more than once before. Today I got another migraine too. I can't keep this up anymore, and it's starting to interfere with my sleep and my work. Any advice on how to get this to stop or what may be causing this to happen? Stress, anxiety, allergies, my smoking habit, a mineral deficiency...etc? I've done a little research on these symptoms but couldn't get it narrowed down enough to identify what is going on. I am not taking any prescriptions at this time. (Not sure if this may be a factor due to an article I read about medications being a factor, but I was diagnosed with ADD/ADHD at age 12. prescribed Concerta 72 mg ( two 36mg in morning) & Ritalin (one 10mg at Noon) until age 19. I no longer take this medication) PLEASE IF YOU CAN HELP...LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO GET THIS TO GO AWAY. I hope this was enough detailed information for you!

Much Appreciated.

[AKC_75]

Hi and welcome to the Migraines & Headaches Community.


There are many many triggers for migraines. And each person is different so the triggers will vary. In fact each headache/migraine can have differing triggers. Here is a list of the most common triggers to give you a starting place.
Common triggers:
Physical exertion or activity
Stress
Hormonal changes
Skipping meals
Sleep disturbances and sleeping late
Weather changes
Perfume or odor
Neck pain
Lights
Alcohol
Smoke
Heat
Food/diet

There is no cure. You just have to try to figure out what your triggers are and avoid them. And there is also preventative prescriptions and abortive prescriptions and abortive over-the-counter meds as well.
If you can identify and avoid triggers then great but that is easier said than done. Cause each different migraine can have a different trigger, it's not always the same trigger.

Here are a few over-the-counter tips you can try:
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.

If you try all of that and have no luck then the next thing to do is see a doctor about getting both prescription and abortive meds.
Keep in mind that treating migraines is a marathon, not a sprint. It is a process of elimination and also playing with dosages. It is not an over night fix.
Good luck and keep us posted.

[evynn]

thank you so much for your advice! I will keep this advice in mind. very much appreciated!!! have a wonderful day