Migrain Headaches

[billyjean1957]

I suffer with painful migraines and I am thinking about having Nerve Decompression Surgery.  Has anyone had this surgery.  If so, what is the recovery time?

[LeeLee131055]

I feel as though every time I suffer from a migraine, it somehow steals another part of my memory and soul.  I can't explain this to my family or husband, but I feel like I am slowly slipping away... I am only 42 years old, and have a beautiful family, and so much to live for.  I honestly do not know where to go from here.  I am tired of being the "crazy one" in the family according to my mother and grandmother.  I have tried everything under the sun, including herbal supplements, prevention drugs, abortive drugs, staying indoors, being labeled crazy by my neighborhood because they have no understanding about my severe allergies and migraines- I  am at my wit's end, and have made feel like a lost cause- and I have so much to live for.  If there is anything I have missed, or might try, please let me know, as I am desperate at this point.  Thanks. SOS  Lee

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. The mainstay of the migraine treatment is always to identify the triggering factors and to avoid them. Triggering factors could be different foods such as cheese, chocolate, alcohol and even few fruits. Other factors that may induce your migraine attack may be contraceptive pills, pinched nerve (esp. cervical), stress or depression, bright lights, loud noise and traveling. Few women experience headache more commonly during the time of their menstrual periods & at the time of hormonal imbalance. I would suggest careful record of events that have proceeded with the attack and avoid those factors. In addition, try to rest in a dark & quiet room, meditate, have a balanced diet and avoid taking unnecessary drugs. Even then if you suffer continuous headache, please arrange an appointment with a neurologist right away who will evaluate the further underlying disorders by clinically examine you & ordering MRI or CT scan here that may be the main reasons of your migraine attacks and can provide you an appropriate treatment. Hope this information proves helpful to you. Take Care & Regards!!!

[LivingInHope]

I have not and it looks like nerve block injections are tried first to see if the surgery has a chance of success or not.  See PM.  Also, I would think it would be considered only as a last resort, after all other avenues had been exhausted and proved futile, as surgery is not without risk.