Is it atypical migraine

[phoenixgran]

I am a 62 year old female and take sumatriptan for migraines.  For the past 18 months/2 years I keep getting pain down the right side of my nose with flickering pain round my right eye.  As with my migraine I often wake up with this pain but it can begin at any time.  My nasal passages are clear, no discharge. Usual analgesia, aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, do not work but I have found that sumatriptan stops the pain.  The episodes of this pain are more frequent and I hesitate to use sumatriptan but have to as the pain just becomes worse and worse.  My health is good otherwise and I just take statins for high cholesterol and HRT.

[phoenixgran]

I live in England.  Is Imitrex one of the Triptans?  Sumatriptan does stop the pain, and I have tried sinusitis medication but this has no effect.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Ensuring that other causes aren't leading to the headaches should be done.  

A head CT or MRI can be considered to exclude masses or other anatomical causes.  

If the Imitrex is not helping, you can try other medications in this class, including Zomig or Relpax.  Medications like beta blockers or Topamax can be tried to help prevent future attacks.  

Sinus problems can lead to headaches as well.  Imaging the sinuses with a CT scan can eliminate this possibility.  

I would consider a referral to a neurologist to discuss these options.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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