Migraines (Full Version)

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westside -> Migraines (10/2/2004 8:50:50 AM)

Several people here have asked me about migraines. I used to suffer from the almost daily. Some things that worked for me:

1. Take painkillers ( ibuprofin) at the first inkling of pain. Don't wait.
2. Learn the accupressure/ pressure point/ trigger point/ release massage for headaches. Its a simple technique you can do for yourself.
3. Very hot showers on your head/neck.
4. topical pain killers --tiger balm or similar.
5. I've heard good things about imitric (SP)

Hope this helps,

Wesly

Next time: learning about what triggers your migraines.



LadyBeckett -> RE: Migraines (10/2/2004 9:33:55 AM)

Imitrex

There is also Axert, Dirodrin, and probably more. Migraines are very difficult to diagnose, and sometimes Migraines aren't actually "Migraines". Which is why Migraine medications don't always work. Also, as you mentioned, with a Migraine, unless medication (any) is taken as soon as the Migraine becomes apparent, it is pointless to take it at all because it won't even touch it. The only relief will be to go and get a shot.

A lot of people recommend coffee during a migraine attack, and swear by it. I attempted that and it didn't work for me. Not drinking it anyway. lol I considered maybe using it as a compress, but that involved thought and effort, and my head hurt too damn bad to do all that. [>:] One thing that did work for me was Excedrin Migraine Strength combined with hot and cold contrast. I would use cold packs (that I kept in the freezer) for 15-20 minutes, then switch to hot packs for 15-20 minutes. And I would drink green tea with honey.

I found out that my "Migraines" were actually caused by something else that was going on. If you are having them, and they are increasing in frequency and/or intensity, I recommend that you start journaling the headaches, be specific about the pain, and share this with your doctor/nuero.



sub4hire -> RE: Migraines (10/2/2004 9:44:25 AM)

quote:

sometimes Migraines aren't actually "Migraines". Which is why Migraine medications don't always work. Also, as you mentioned, with a Migraine, unless medication (any) is taken as soon as the Migraine becomes apparent, it is pointless to take it at all because it won't even touch it. The only relief will be to go and get a shot.


Beckett made an invaluable point here. I was in a car accident in 84 hit my head pretty bad. Underneath my right eyebrow I still have a bump. Have had a headache most everyday of my life since. It isn't a migraine. It is a headache. I've been told I have post traumatic concussion syndrome. The drug cocktail for migraines does help me. Imagine taking 4 pills at a time 6 times a day everyday of your life then excedrin comes up with one all tucked into a single caplet.
I have a yearly catscan checking for tumors. I come up clean each and every year.
You do have to take the med at early onset or else it is totally worthless.



siamsa24 -> RE: Migraines (10/2/2004 8:23:19 PM)

I suffered from migraines for nearly ten years (that's almost half my life) and nothing helped them. Last year, however, I started going to the chiropracter and I don't have the pain that I used to. Many people that are unusually tall or heavier have problems with their neck and back, I have found that going every few weeks has gotten rid of most of my migraines.



blueiii -> RE: Migraines (10/2/2004 8:54:45 PM)

Up until 3 years ago I had migraines roughly 2-3 times a month. I think the solution is different for everyone, but for me I eliminated caffeine (except the small doses I have in the occasional bite of chocolate) and cut out lots of refined sugar. I also stopped using so many processed foods and rarely eat red meat. My doctor said that the onset of my migraines had something to do with an eye problem I had as a child. So I never leave the house without sunglasses on.

Just last week, I got the first migraine I've had in almost a year. I used the first three suggestions that westside gave and went to a dark room, did some deep breathing, and it worked.

blueiii



Thanatosian -> RE: Migraines (10/3/2004 8:44:59 AM)

A couple of points

As has been pointed out, migraines are not always just migraines - they can be indicative of other problems: case in point, my last sub. she would get migraines quite often, almost weekly - she did the whole migraine medication thing, etc. then one night one came on very suddenly - like instant migraine - only it wasnt -- turns out she had an aneurism (which ruptured that night and she died) and that had been the cause of her 'migraines' all along - so be very aware that things are not always as they seem

Milady Beckett - as far as the coffee thing goes, caffiene is a vasodilator, making your veins expand - and since a lot of headaches (and/or migraines) are caused by vein contraction, that is why they suggest coffee - however, tea has as high if not higher concentration of caffiene in it, so your use of green tea is most likely just as effective as coffee

When my mom would get her infrequent migraines, depending on the severity, she would either medicate with prescription medicine (if bad) or would rub peppermint oil on her tmeples and forehead and lay with her eyes closed for 15-20 minutes (if not so bad)

just my tuppence



LadyBeckett -> RE: Migraines (10/3/2004 10:16:42 AM)

Thanatosian, I felt your experience deeply as I read that.

I never had headaches in my life other than the "staying up too late writing" lower neck stress type occasionally. Then several months after being attacked (which included a serious head injury) I experienced a rather severe headache that graduated in intensity over the course of two days and felt rather like I had charley horses all over my head. After two days of nausea and extreme pain, which was immune to aspirin, pleading, prayer, and various incantations, I went to the doctor.

There are a lot of "theories" regarding what causes migraines, as well as what migraines actually are. I have heard very young girls say that they experience migraines (frequently), which gives me pause to wonder if they are actually migraines, or just a headache. In commercials they will show women driving a car or on the playground with their children during a migraine. lol Oh sure!!! Although I will allow that the levels of pain and severity will vary by individual.

Two years ago I had an experience similar to that of Thanatosian's sub while at work. I actually thought someone had blindsided me with a blunt heavy object. It brought me to my knees. What I found out is that I have a tumor on the left hemisphere of my brain nestled within a network of vessels, and I had a CVA (stroke).

I'm thinking that a CAT Scan or MRI would have detected the aneurism, and an MRA scans the vessels which can possibly provide some answers regarding migraines, if that is all they are. These tests are expensive, but one could not only answer questions...it could save your life. Headaches can sometimes be a warning.



LadyAngelika -> RE: Migraines (10/3/2004 10:29:33 AM)

I suffer from migraines as well.

The key for me is your #1 point Westside: Take painkillers ( ibuprofen) at the first inkling of pain. Don't wait.

I carry ibuprofen in my handbag, there are some in my office and some here at home. Makes me sound like a junky, huh? But it is the only drug however you will find in my house or on my person. Usually when I take 600mg of ibuprofen at the first sign, it goes away.

My migraines are just that, migraines. I went for tests and the test showed nothing out of the ordinary. They however wanted to give me a bunch of preventative drugs. I took the prescriptions and called my uncle who is a pharmacist (I do this every time I get a prescription because I have a severe reaction to certain drugs). He told me that this particular drug had some steroids and anti-schizoids in it. Yowzas! No way I was taking those.

I did go to a naturopath however and we worked on nutrition and stress relief measures. I have reduced my amount of migraines by about 75%. I was able to pin point the triggers and either reduce and at times even eliminate them.

At the time that my headaches were bad, a co-worker of mine told me to go things checked out because 15 years prior, when she was in her twenties, she had a small brain tumour, which was treatable because of early detection. In my case, migraines are just migraines.

I agree with my dear Beckett that headaches can be a warning and I send her good vibes every day. I know if anyone has the strength to get through this it’s her.

- LA



subbiejenn -> RE: Migraines (10/3/2004 7:38:04 PM)

Thanatosian - i am very sorry for Your awful unexpected loss, my heart hurts for You. i do not know how long ago but i am sure no matter the pain is still there. Just wanted to give ya a Big Hug! *Opens Arms* *Squeezes*

Lady Beckett - i am glad You found out before was to late, can be very serious. i have heard that strokes give You the worst headache Y/you can ever imagine. Good thing You did not ignore the symptom.



Laura -> RE: Migraines (10/3/2004 9:27:43 PM)

I wake up with extremely bad headaches now and then. It's to do with asthma mainly. If I'm lucky and wake up during the asthma trouble I open windows, take Tylenol and asthma inhalers. If I'm not lucky I wake up in the morning and get really sick before doing all the above. It takes all day to feel ok again. I don't know if that's a migraine headache technically. But I can sympathize with the pain of anyone suffering migraines.



MLordEd -> RE: Migraines (10/4/2004 9:31:57 PM)

I have a rather unusual, but interesting suggestion for someone who often gets migraines.
Please, PLEASE don't take this as a substitute for proper medical exams, but read though it and you'll see there is not much risk in giving this a try.

Quite a few years ago I heard about a migraine "cure" and suggested it to my first sub who had pretty bad ones every few weeks. She told me it worked. Since, I have mentioned it to two other ladies who had bad migraines and they both told me it worked for them. Here is what you do:

They suffered from the kind of migraine that resulted in vein contraction. I had heard to induce an "ice cream headache". Eat quickly, a lot of something very cold, (ice cream, smoothie, slushie, what-ever). It cause your brain to kick up the central heating by increasing the flow of blood, and ouchie! But after about 5-10 minutes when the ice cream headache goes away, so does the migraine!

I know this is pretty simplistic, but I figure that the Ice Cream headache caused the capillaries to expand, and then afterwards they relaxed, taking the migraine with them. Or, perhaps it is as simple as the placebo effect from a 1/2 pint of Bryers Rocky Road. The point is: giving it a try certainly can't hurt!

I hope this helps someone.



LadyAngelika -> RE: Migraines (10/6/2004 4:37:49 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: MLordEd
I know this is pretty simplistic, but I figure that the Ice Cream headache caused the capillaries to expand, and then afterwards they relaxed, taking the migraine with them. Or, perhaps it is as simple as the placebo effect from a 1/2 pint of Bryers Rocky Road. The point is: giving it a try certainly can't hurt!


You obviously have no idea what a ½ pint of rocky road will do to my figure! ;)

But thanks for the tip.

- LA



topcat -> RE: Migraines (10/6/2004 6:32:41 AM)

Milady Angelika-

My ex suffered from migraines, and I found two techniques that seemed to work, to some extent, most of the time.

The first is to breathe into a paper bag, as one would if hyper-ventilating- increasing the CO2 levels in the blood will dialate the blood vessels in the head.

the other is a Vagus/ Cartiod compression- seems to also dialate the blood vessels to the brain. Interestingly, it has also proven to be a good cure for hiccups.

Stay warm,
Lawrence



LadyBeckett -> RE: Migraines (10/6/2004 8:33:39 AM)

I have never heard it called the "vagus/carotid compression" but am familiar with the carotid compression. It is very effective in relieving the pain to a level that allows one to actually function and interact within "normal".

I actually found out about it from a neighbor during an extremely painful episode in 2001. I would have my daughter literally squeeze my head as hard as she could, because the pressure and release seemed to help. He actually came over to borrow my phone during one of those times. His hands were very large and naturally very warm. He did it the way I requested for a few moments and then went down to my neck, and within minutes I was feeling relief.


I've attempted to duplicate it myself without success, and instructing others hasn't been successful either. I am actually opposed to taking "drugs" for pain relief, because of the side effects, and my reactions to so many of them. I believe vagus/carotid compression is a skill, and those of us who suffer will simply have to find a way to make copies of Lawrence, or others who possess it. [;)]



EStrict -> RE: Migraines (10/6/2004 9:21:50 AM)

My Aunt died yesterday from a side effect of her migrane medication. Her Dr wanted to take her off it, but she said she would rather have a heart attack from the meds than live with the migranes.... and she did....



sub4hire -> RE: Migraines (10/6/2004 9:31:57 AM)

quote:

My Aunt died yesterday from a side effect of her migrane medication. Her Dr wanted to take her off it, but she said she would rather have a heart attack from the meds than live with the migranes.... and she did


I'm sorry to hear that Sandy, my thoughts and prayers are with you. If you need anyone to talk to I'm here for you.



Mercnbeth -> RE: Migraines (10/6/2004 1:09:20 PM)

quote:

My Aunt died yesterday from a side effect of her migrane medication. Her Dr wanted to take her off it, but she said she would rather have a heart attack from the meds than live with the migranes.... and she did


this slave is sorry for your loss. this slave was a guinea pig to migraine treatment in the early nineties (we don't know why this medication works, or how, but it does") this slave did not remain on the medication for long due to undesirable side affects. to those of u seeking alternative relief from a natural source in the treatment of migraines, please consider the following. The people of the state of California passed into law the now infamous Proposition 215 in 1996. It is now referred to as Health & Safety Code 11362.5, or "The Compassionate Use Act of 1996". Included in the actual text of the code is this quote: "To ensure that seriously ill Californians have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes where that medical use is deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician who has determined that the person's health would benefit from the use of marijuana in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief." this slave has found relief from the migraines and other symptoms that she has been experiencing for the last 20 years from this natural medicine and is in the process of obtaining a physicians referral.
sincerely,
Merc & beth



topcat -> RE: Migraines (10/6/2004 2:45:59 PM)

quote:

"vagus/carotid compression" but am familiar with the carotid compression. It is very effective in relieving the pain to a level that allows one to actually function and interact within "normal".


Milady Beckett-

It's simply adding a firm steady pressure on the vagus nerves (I may be spelling that wrong) which run up under the base of the skull in back, and silightly outboard.

There does seem to be some knack involved, and it seems very very hard to to one's self.

Stay warm,
Lawrence



WayHome -> RE: Migraines (10/6/2004 6:04:19 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: MLordEd

They suffered from the kind of migraine that resulted in vein contraction. I had heard to induce an "ice cream headache".



There is a certain kind of headache for which the "brain freeze" idea works very well. I would not suggest the 1/2 gallon of Breyer's though because of the potential for a sugar spike contributung to a headache (a common trigger for a lot of people), not to mention the dietary issue ;-)

You can get the same effect with some crushed ice in your mouth. Pretend like you are going to gargle the ice and just hold it for a minute or so. Be careful not to aspirate (get water in your lung). This can be a very effective trick for some, but be warned: for others it might also act as a trigger for a headache. The trick is that you want the cold to hit your soft palate. A smoothie can work pretty well too, just hold each sip in the back of your throat for a few seconds before swallowing.

A significant part of my former practice as a massage therapist focused on severe headaches, which was kind of an offshoot of my own experiences with headaches as a child and young adult before I learned to manage them. I had a short list of clients who often made "emergency calls" when they felt a migraine coming on and I usually had about an 80% success rate in heading off a full-blown migraine (pun intended). For others, massage didn't help, or at least not any technique I used.

Let me add my condolences for Thanotosian. Obviously the first step for any sort of severe headache is to rule out severe medical problems, but after that the path gets a little more fuzzy.


Leto



westside -> RE: Migraines (10/18/2004 7:37:20 AM)

Applying pressure on and at the back of the skull is covered in pressure point/ acupressure massage. Its a simple, press with your fingers on your head in certain patterns technique. ( I'll try to find a link.)
Learn it before you need it.

-Wes




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