[Katielolxxx]

I'm currently 19, and i've had headaches/migranes since i was in 6th grade. I've had every test possible. I've even looked for triggers, or anything that could cause one.
Over the last two years they seem progressively worse. I've been on the same daily meds since 8th grade minus increased dosage. (adderall 50 mg) and the only med i switched was my birth control, and even before that i still had them.
I've eliminated almost every possible trigger in the book all the way down to hormones in milk, and still can't find a source. These headaches/migraines sometimes last for days on end, and even with medication (imitrex,sumavel,relapax) they don't go away. I don't take more than one of them when i get a headache, or if i get one the next day i don't take one since i don't want to cause a rebound headache. It got so bad a few weeks ago that i couldn't take it and ended up going to the emergency room because my head hurt so bad it made me cry. Even after 3 morphine shots, and a cat scan i still had a headache.. makes no sense. oh and the mri didn't show any abnormalities.

can anyone give me some insight to any other options besides cat scans, and mri's? maybe a daily medication, or something else that can help me..

i've tried topamax, something else that starts with a t, and what i currently have. sumavel is usually the quickest(its a needleless injection), but is expensive, and doesn't last the longest. imitrex is the main thing ill take in cases where i can deal with it until it kicks in .

ive ran out of options, and im sick of getting them ):

[shezbut]

((Katielolxxx))

I am sorry that you've been fighting such intense misery for such a LONG time, without any relief yet!

Check out this link provided. Hopefully, you can find some information and hope for finding relief someday soon with the information given.

I've tried several of the meds that you have as well. Maxalt was the most effective for me, as long as I took the medication as soon as I noticed the migraine starting to come on. The sooner, the better! I have had times when noting at all worked though too, horrendous times that I somehow lived through.

Gentle hugs to you and very best wishes.

[Perna]

Have you and your doctor discussed preventative meds?

Migraine: Treatments and drugs - MayoClinic.com

[shezbut]

Migraine - MayoClinic.com

Sorry that I forgot to attach the link last night!

[nicoleb2]

I take verapamil daily to prevent migraines, and Migranal nasal spray when they break through.

I used to take imitrex or maxalt. They never worked as well or as quickly as the migranal does.

Hormones can play a major role in migraines, so you may have to find a new form of birth control and see if that helps. Also, if you get migraines with aura, talk to your doctor about the safety of your birth control. I cannot take any from of birth control pill because the risk of blood clots increases a lot.

[Katielolxxx]

Maxalt makes me sick. We've talked about preventive meds but she wanted to try other solutions first. The migranss themselves come a few times a month, but it's a constant headache allllll the time . As of this month so far 2 migranss and 7 headaches .

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Katielolxxx

I'm currently 19, and i've had headaches/migranes since i was in 6th grade. I've had every test possible. I've even looked for triggers, or anything that could cause one.
Over the last two years they seem progressively worse. I've been on the same daily meds since 8th grade minus increased dosage. (adderall 50 mg) and the only med i switched was my birth control, and even before that i still had them.
I've eliminated almost every possible trigger in the book all the way down to hormones in milk, and still can't find a source. These headaches/migraines sometimes last for days on end, and even with medication (imitrex,sumavel,relapax) they don't go away. I don't take more than one of them when i get a headache, or if i get one the next day i don't take one since i don't want to cause a rebound headache. It got so bad a few weeks ago that i couldn't take it and ended up going to the emergency room because my head hurt so bad it made me cry. Even after 3 morphine shots, and a cat scan i still had a headache.. makes no sense. oh and the mri didn't show any abnormalities.

can anyone give me some insight to any other options besides cat scans, and mri's? maybe a daily medication, or something else that can help me..

i've tried topamax, something else that starts with a t, and what i currently have. sumavel is usually the quickest(its a needleless injection), but is expensive, and doesn't last the longest. imitrex is the main thing ill take in cases where i can deal with it until it kicks in .

ive ran out of options, and im sick of getting them ):

I have had migraines since age three, but not AS bad - I have never had morphine shots. But still I can relate.

A very effective preventative medication is Depakote (Valproex). It drastically reduces the frequency of attacks. Unfortunately, I could not use it in the long term, for two reasons:

- weight gain
- hand tremor

It is worth trying while monitoring the weight so that you can quickly go off it if it makes you gain weight.

It is a tried and true medicine and its record is not worse than that of Topamax.

You cannot cause a rebound headache with triptans (Imitrex, Relpax, etc). Rebound headaches are caused by cheap over-the-counter medicines with tylenol (paracetomol), caffeine, etc. in them. It is OK to take two triptan doses for one migraine in a 24 hour period, but not more. I do that, and the second dose, taken 2 hours after the first dose, helps.

There is also a limit on the number of doses of Triptans at month - has your doctor instructed you on that? It is not due to the danger of rebound effects, though.

You should relax about trigger elimination. There is not THAT much science behind it. If you find something that immediately works, great, but if not, do not go the route of eliminating everything in sight because the marginal benefit of such elimination is slim to non-existing.

Try drinking electrolytes instead of water. Even grocery store brands of electrolyted water are now available and are inexpensive. See if that helps. You will need to drink a lot. Of course, regular meals and, if you consume caffeine, steady level of caffeine weekday and weekends.

Try Depakote - maybe you will luck out and not gain weight.

[hamster-bamster]

Oh, and in terms of the speed of effectiveness, Imitrex injection is the best, followed by Imitrex nasal spray followed by Imitrex pills. I am afraid of injecting Imitrex in my thighs, nor am I particularly dexterous, especially when having a headache, so I use the nasal spray.

[hamster-bamster]

OK now I remember: the triptans are prescribed in safe quantities. Whatever is prescribed for the course of one month safe to use during a month, without fearing rebound headaches.

[hamster-bamster]

Someone on the Bipolar forum has just posted about dangers of Depakote in pregnancy:

Originally Posted by Anneinside

Just read both in Psychiatric News and FDA alert that Depakote can cause autism. This is from Psychiatric News: "Researchers at Aarhus University in Denmark reported April 24 Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that maternal use of valproate during pregnancy is associated with a significantly increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and childhood autism,"

[Katielolxxx]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

I have had migraines since age three, but not AS bad - I have never had morphine shots. But still I can relate.

A very effective preventative medication is Depakote (Valproex). It drastically reduces the frequency of attacks. Unfortunately, I could not use it in the long term, for two reasons:

- weight gain
- hand tremor

It is worth trying while monitoring the weight so that you can quickly go off it if it makes you gain weight.

It is a tried and true medicine and its record is not worse than that of Topamax.

You cannot cause a rebound headache with triptans (Imitrex, Relpax, etc). Rebound headaches are caused by cheap over-the-counter medicines with tylenol (paracetomol), caffeine, etc. in them. It is OK to take two triptan doses for one migraine in a 24 hour period, but not more. I do that, and the second dose, taken 2 hours after the first dose, helps.

There is also a limit on the number of doses of Triptans at month - has your doctor instructed you on that? It is not due to the danger of rebound effects, though.

You should relax about trigger elimination. There is not THAT much science behind it. If you find something that immediately works, great, but if not, do not go the route of eliminating everything in sight because the marginal benefit of such elimination is slim to non-existing.

Try drinking electrolytes instead of water. Even grocery store brands of electrolyted water are now available and are inexpensive. See if that helps. You will need to drink a lot. Of course, regular meals and, if you consume caffeine, steady level of caffeine weekday and weekends.

Try Depakote - maybe you will luck out and not gain weight.

I get 9 imitrex a month (sumatriptan pills) , and I also get sumavel dose pro for super emergencies since it works in less than 15 minutes.. But the lasting ability isn't the greatest. Ive been drinking electrolytes, and I found that even if I keep caffeine levels steady.. It doesn't help my headache. I've already gone through my triggers one by one over the course of 3 years and really cannot find one. I'm at the end point of my search since I can't deal with it anymore . They're too much to handle, and with my life.. They are unbearable at times

[hamster-bamster]

I am sorry. You probably should try depakote 500 mg then for prevention.

[NWgirl2013]

I don't have migraines anymore, but do have a headache. Almost 18 months with no relief 24/7.
Are you seeing a neurologist/head ache specialist?

I am trying something new after trying every drug and therapy there is. I had 3 shots in my head to deaden the nerves that are firing. Had a rough week but now things are looking up. Not out of the woods yet & not going insane(as much!), but so hopeful!
Ask your doc to refer you if you are not seeing a specialist.

Sorry you are in so much pain. I really get what that's like to have something in your head.

[hamster-bamster]

I have also heard of Botox shots being used.

[NWgirl2013]

Yeah, my doc mentioned that, botox. Said it's a tough sell to the insurance co's though. But he thought I should consider it. And I will.
Don't want my entire head to be deadened....although...

[Tamster]

I see my neurologist on tuesday and i forgot to mention how bad my headaches have gotten I have at least one bad one a day and 2 or more migraines a month. I have Imitrex but it does nothing for me. My HA have lasted most of my life, I remember taking cold bathes as a teen to relieve the tension in my neck and head, now i know it was a migraine that I was having. My parents were not aware or concerned one or the other so nothing was done until my adult years. Nothing has really helped them maybe it is time for me to tackle them now, I will talk to neuro on tuesday and see what he thinks.

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Tamster

My HA have lasted most of my life, I remember taking cold bathes as a teen to relieve the tension in my neck and head, now i know it was a migraine that I was having.

I actually do the opposite - something that my late mother taught me when I was a kid (she had her own migraines).

I go into the shower and let very hot water run right on the cape of my neck and stand in the shower for a long time. It relieves the HA temporarily. Then I go again.

I think that hot water does something to the blood vessels in the brain.

[Katielolxxx]

I was seeing a neurologist, but she moved out of state. I'm trying to find a new one in New Jersey that specializes in migraine/headache treatment. I've seen too many neurologists and they all tell me or make me take the same tests. As for Botox, my mom gets Botox injections for her headaches. I found that ice cold water (almost giving me a brain freeze) helps my head but only temporary .

[hamster-bamster]

Katie, have you tried Elavil for prevention? It helps some people and is quite benign in terms of its side effect profile.

[Katielolxxx]

My mom is on that. I'm going to have to ask the doctor about it . Thank you !
I'm looking into clinical trials since I've given up hope

[buttrfli42481]

I used to have daily migraines when I was full blown anorexic. I went to a neurologist who sent me for an mri which showed that my brain was normal. After trying Topamax and losing too much weight (I ended up in the ED Unit), I was put on Depakote. Depakote made my depression worsen which led to the worst Sui Ideation I have ever had. I was taken off it immediately. That neurologist ended up sending me to a pain management dr. I had injections in the back of my neck which didn't work and injections in my face which worked great. I went migraine free for a few months.
I am now in recovery from anorexia and get migraines about once a month around my cycle. I see a new neurologist and go back to see her next month. She gave me naproxen to take for 3 days before and 3 days during my cycle and promethezine to use as needed for nausea. That regimine worked well last month but not this month. I will try one of the other options next month. I have had a migraine last for 13 days. Imitrex doesn't seem to work for most of mine because I often wake up with one and it is then too late to take it.
Whatever you do, I hope you find some relief soon. Migraines are no fun.

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by buttrfli42481

I used to have daily migraines when I was full blown anorexic. I went to a neurologist who sent me for an mri which showed that my brain was normal. After trying Topamax and losing too much weight (I ended up in the ED Unit), I was put on Depakote. Depakote made my depression worsen which led to the worst Sui Ideation I have ever had. I was taken off it immediately. That neurologist ended up sending me to a pain management dr. I had injections in the back of my neck which didn't work and injections in my face which worked great. I went migraine free for a few months.
I am now in recovery from anorexia and get migraines about once a month around my cycle. I see a new neurologist and go back to see her next month. She gave me naproxen to take for 3 days before and 3 days during my cycle and promethezine to use as needed for nausea. That regimine worked well last month but not this month. I will try one of the other options next month. I have had a migraine last for 13 days. Imitrex doesn't seem to work for most of mine because I often wake up with one and it is then too late to take it.
Whatever you do, I hope you find some relief soon. Migraines are no fun.

If you have not tried those yet, you can try nasal or injectable Imitrex - not only do those work faster than tablets do, they also do not cause nausea. When you have a migraine with nausea, you really do not want MORE nausea, right?

[buttrfli42481]

I don't always have a migraine with nausea which is a good thing. We are still trying to figure out the best method for me. I have samples of frova and another med that I can try. Going to try the frova next and see if it works. Insurance wouldn't pay for frova the first time I was prescribed it because they wanted me to try something else first, that is why I am on Imitrex. That works about half the time.

[Katielolxxx]

The imitrex injectable is amazing . Well.. Sumavel dose pro.. Talk to your doc about that. Depending on what insurance you're on it can be pricy, but then again it could be cheap.

[buttrfli42481]

I have medicaid so they like to go with the cheap drugs first then the more expensive ones. I will talk to my dr about the injectables though.