Migrains

[Special Ed]

I suffer from both cluster headaches and migraines. Both are brought on by changes in barometric pressure but the migraines can also be triggered by neck pain. I started getting cluster headaches after I moved to Colorado from Virginia (apparently altitude affects my headaches too) but the migraines didn't start until I came down with meningitis 7 years ago. Given the choice of a migraine or a cluster headache, I'd choose the migraine because I can usually beat it before it gets too bad if I get on it right away. With the cluster headache, I'm doomed to excruciating pain no matter what I do. Fortunately, they don't last for more than 15-30 minutes most times.

As far as medication goes, hopefully you'll find a neurologist that believes in trying to stop them before they start, as opposed to one who just tries to give your son meds to combat the pain after they start (though I'll echo that Maxalt is really good for hitting a migraine if it's already started...it is for mine, which may not be the case for your son as we're all different). Until I went on a combination of Verapamil and Nortriptyline (low dosages, well below what's used to treat depression with the same drugs), I had daily headaches. The worst side effect of either was the dry mouth from the Nortriptyline. I suffer no side effects from the Verapamil.

A word of caution...my first neurologist put me on Topamax. Though I guess this drug does work for people, there's a reason it's been nicknamed "Dopamax." I turned into a blathering idiot unable to think or function normally while I was on it. I heard this is the case with a lot of people. I found a new neurologist instantly. It may be the only thing that can help your son in the end but with him not having headaches on a weekly basis, it would seem that something as strong and laden with side effects as Topamax is, it would scare me to start with it when there are other less nasty options available. In any case, find a neurologist you can trust and you're good to go.

Good luck with the diagnosis and treatment.

[brutal]

To the OP, I hope you get some help for your little guy. Migraines are a terrible thing to endure. I feel for the little guy, I truly do.

As you can see, they are surprisingly common. It seems it's more the type-A's amongst us who suffer from them most. All the self-induced stress and competitiveness.

I forgot to add for anyone still suffering with these, Imitrix was a godsend for me to help diminish the symptoms, but it's not for everyone and must be administered the first time in a controlled environment. I had to use the sub-Q self injectors, some folks can get relief with pills or nasal sprays.

[freqlord]

Cluster headaches started from my Dad and passed on to me. I had gotten them a few times before I joined the Army and now, I get them at least monthly where it feels as though someone took an axe to my skull and started to scalp me at the same time. Don't jack around with primary care, go straight to a neurologist. In fact, if I can find the docs name I'll PM you.

[Special Ed]

Gman, you've got A-C malformation too? Holy shit! I've got a killer scar on the back of my head and neck from the A-C decompression surgery I had 12 years ago. I am also minus my C-1 vertebrae and part of the back of my skull but in their place I got a bovine heart tissue implant they installed to open my CSF path into the head from the spine. For three years after the surgery I had zero headaches...and then all hell broke loose again.

10mm-man, please keep us posted on your son's progress.

[Gman]

Yeah. First neurosurgeon consult said I needed a "re-roof job" to take my skull apart and then put it back together with spacers between sections to increase the volume. Others were talking about a shunt to allow the flow out of the ventricles. I've chosen to deal with the headaches and other issues. I had a flow test done via MRI and imaging contrast. My malformation isn't so severe that I'm always affected, but some mornings it's a bitch to get out of bed and start the work day.

Prayers to you, Ed. It's something you really can't describe to people in a way they can really understand what it's like.

I'm also having issues with C-5/C-6 foramenal stenosis. I have the joy of at-home traction to boot. Old sports injuries coming back to haunt me with gout and arthritis....Wheeee!!!

I wonder what it must be like to be pain free most of your life, because I think i had one of those days about 4 years ago. I just keep on keeping on....and some day, I know I'll be leaving this damaged shell behind me.

[Special Ed]

I had become pretty much useless, Gman, and the neurosurgeon said that it would likely only get worse but still told me I could wait on the surgery. "It's only going to get worse?!?!?...Cut me open!" I have to say that had I known how painful the recovery was going to be, I would have likely opted to deal with the headaches instead. I would rather have clusters, migraines and meningitis again before undergoing that surgery. The good news is that it did what it was supposed to. The MRI of my brain before and after show quite a change in the room in the back of my head. And the scar....shit tons of fun when you go to get a haircut. I always flinch when they cut across my scar even though I can't feel a thing there. I almost feel bad for the girls because I suppose it's a mean joke to make them think they hurt me

Sorry you're dealing with so much pain, brother. I hope you have more of those rare good days.

[gnihcraes]

Gman/Special Ed, know what ya mean.

Brain AVM, birth defect, didn't know until age 34.

Bleed/Stroke 2001, gamma knife 2002, surgery 2012.

Need my subtitle changed to Drain Bamage.

MRI 10/2012


Post surgery.

[Special Ed]

That's one hell of an impressive incision, gnihcraes! How has the recovery been?

[gnihcraes]

That's one hell of an impressive incision, gnihcraes! How has the recovery been?

Crappy. Surgeon somehow bumped a nerve leading to the thalamus (pain center) and so I suffer from Central Pain Syndrome. Stinks pretty bad. entire left side is Numb, and in pain. Burning pins and needles all day long. Lower left leg and foot are the worst. Lost 1/4 of my lower left peripheral vision. (was known before surgery it would probably be gone)

I'm surviving, but eat lots of gabapentin each day just to keep the pain down. Always hurting. blah blah blah

[MED]

I started to get them after I had West Nile.

My triggers are stress, dehydration, and caffeine.

The best thing I can tell you about migraines are know the early symptoms. If you catch it early, you can avoid the major symptoms. I know I am getting one when I start seeing auras, and my vision becomes impaired. If I take a large dose of liquid filled ibuprofen within 5-10 minutes, I won’t get a migraine. If I don’t, then I will get pretty sick.

Every person is different. Make sure he is well hydrated at all times. Definitely watch his water intake vs. diuretics.