Would either of you have any advice on how to deal with Migraine Headaches. I used to get them all the time when I was an adolescent. Now at 41, I am starting to get them again, albeit at less frequency and intensity than before.The only two variables I can think of is I just started up the Bridge. Since I just started, I doubt it is an issue since the intensity hasn’t really ramped up yet. The second variable is I have reduced the amount of alcohol I consume from around 3-10 beers a night to 3-5 beers a week, for about three months. I have been getting headaches for about two weeks.
–Usually they will start with a euphoric feeling followed by a sensitivity to light and sometime noise. After about a half-an-hour it will progress to auras blocking my vision and a mild headache.The headache will become severe after and hour and I will develop numbness (in severe case) on one-side of my face, one hand and sometime one foot. After one two six hours I will become extremely nauseous and start vomiting. Once that is over (about a half-an-hour) I will start to feel better. I will be left with a headache, intense cramp or tightness in my trap and neck and completely spent.
How were these headaches previously diagnosed as “migraines”?
– I have a family history and was diagnosed by my family MD during adolescents. At one time or another I have had a CAT scan, MRI and nerve conductive study to rule out I don’t know what.I have also had an EKG done during one of the episodes where my DR. had me check in to the hospital.
Have you ever been on migraine-specific treatments before?
–I have taken Imitrex but have not done anything proactive. I have not been very worried about it since I have had maybe one a year for the last 15-20 years but I have had three in the last two weeks.
You may indeed have complex migraines. There are a wide number of triggers associated with migraine headaches. In some people, headaches are thought to be triggered by things like exercise, alcohol, sleep disturbance, emotional/physical stress, and even weather changes.
With the fairly recent onset of much more frequent headaches at your age, it would be prudent to get re-evaluated by your physician and/or a neurologist.