Oh. This could get long, but not out of self-importance but because I've been taken to the ER with my head in a pillow more times than anyone could count, I finally went to a neurologist, who has me on a preventative, which has been helpful. Topamax! 100 mgs a day, and although it was a hellish few days while getting myself adjusted to it, after that there have been zero side effects. You drop 10 pounds for some reason also, so who hates that? She also has me taking magnesium daily. I find that when my weight is down, this is helpful, as is staying on the migraine diet relgiously-you can Google this. I used to find that taking the herb Feverfew was helpful as a preventative, and also ginger but since the migraines have amped up these lost their oomph somewhat.
Try Treximet? It's the 'new' Imitrex.It's possible also they have you taking too much. I cut mine in half, and have the migraines react regardless. The balance I've found is taking Butabitol (sp?) when I feel something kicking in, and something with codiene if your doc allows it. If that doesn't stop things, take the 'Imitrex' ( there's another of the same type called Maxalt, which might work better for you? Ask your doc. ) plus whatever narcotic your doc will allow. They really, really should, although I understand some do not on the grounds that as soon as one mentions pain your an addict. My neuro likes to just knock the thing out of me before it does end up in the ER, and absolutely knows I'm not abusing anything. The good ones just wish you not to have a migraine. I've also had Lorazapam work for possibly getting to a migraine before it becomes neccessary to resort to the Imitrex type meds.
Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and Aleve do not help and will make it worse, actually, so stay away from these. The initial migraine impulse is one where their action is contraindicated, that's all.
I'm sorry to be all over the place with this, but boy, this has been something which has seriously impaired my life horribly. I do wish to add also, to please stay really, really hydrated also. Someone with more knowledge than me of the dynamics at work can tell you why, but this also was recommended to me as a preventative, and works.
If you can get to a good neuro at some point, it's helpful but I have to say my primary care doc fills in beautifully between appointments. They might together also be able to help track down the genesis of the condition. Mine appears to be a shredded cervical disc and some stenosis which has degenerated over the past decades.
Good luck with this, seriously. I hope you're able to find some relief from some source. Do take care, I feel for you!
Anni
