Symptoms getting worse

[Tab28]

Hello,

I am a 28 year old female and have had migraines since the birth of my daughter in 1999. I have tried several different preventative medications including Inderal LA, which I no longer take. I now take Imitrex 100mg PRN- but have noticed a few changes in my symptoms. I have never experienced an aura-I usually get the pain on one side(usually my left) that generates to behind my left eye. The headaches pretty much incapacitate me- I am nauseated-feel dizzy-overall malaise. Imitrex and 3 excedrin usually helped. In the past 2 years my vision has worsened- I have gone from 20/20 to 20/50 and 20/60- with Left eye being worse. The eye doctor does not see anything in particular in the eye exam and attributes it to my age (again Im only 28??). I have also noticed that I have motion sickness now-this never used to be a problem, I cannot even ride roller-coasters at this point and a simple trip as a passenger in the car is horrible. My headaches have also increased in frequency-now once or twice a week- they are also increasing in duration- what use to resolve itself (after 1 Imetrex and 3 excedrin) now requires an additional imitrex-and 12 hours later...a little relief but the migraine is still there. I have no obvious triggers...except gray weather days...not sure how that works...but if its raining or cloudy-best believe I will have a migraine.

So I guess my questions really are- could there be something else going on? Should I go to a Neurologist? I did have a MRI about 5 years ago to R/O tumor-it was Neg. Is it normal for migraines to get worse over the years??

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Yes migraines do get worse with time in some people. Also wanted to know if you have recently started birth control pills? I would suggest you to do some breathing exercises to relax yourself. Avoid any kind of physical and mental stress including rollercoasters for sometime. Maintain hydration, eat regularly and sleep for atlaest 8 hrs during the night.

[Dr Smitha Mathews]

Hi,
How have you been feeling emotionally?
Any postpartum depression?

Do you work at the computer or long hours that involve eye strain?

Any triggers for your headache? Other than the weather?

Have you been evaluated by an ENT specialist?

It is possible that there is an undelying cause for your headache that has not been identified as yet.
Since you have also been experiencing motion sickness with mild travel, it would be best to have yourself evaluated by an ENt specialist to rule out any middle ear pathology.
If you have been feeling depressed over the past few months or on-and-off, it will be best to seek help for the same. Depression can trigger headaches and has been known to cause myopia (short sight).
You can also try the following measures to reduce the incidence and intensity of your headaches:
Drink plenty of fluids, in eexcess of 2000 cc per day.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Eat meals at regular intervals.
Avoid stressful thoughts and tension.

You can also consult a neurologist for further guidance.

Do keep us posted on your doubts and progress
regards