Mirgaine Headaches Anyone??

[SUP-Ronin]

Anybody get migraines that won't go away, for like 2 weeks? And they hit for no apparent reason. I am not talking about tension headaches that a couple asprin will kill off. I mean blurred vision, pain, spots, can't work or do anything but sleep type misery that basically ruins your life.

My girlfriend has had two this year, and gets them for shorter periods off and on. They have tried everything, various epileptic drugs, neurological drugs, pain killers, acupuncture, massage, change in diet, change in matress pillows, exorcism, voodoo, you name it-we tried it. She hates taking the drugs cause the only thing about them that seems to work are the side effects. The bottom line is they have no idea what to do with her, so they just make her a guinea-pig for one crappy pill after another which is hard on your liver.

She has been to the headache clinic in Chicago for the last week, and they finally have it under control, but it could come back tomorrow. She had a brain scan and nothing showed up, she had an MRI of her neck and they found a compressed disk which seems like it could be causing it, but the doc said it was too low to be causing them.
It's really frustrating because we can't find the bloody trigger. She is getting worried about losing her job from so much time off. If you haven't had one or lived with someone who has them then it is easy to make light of them but it really, really, really sucks...

Anyone else have a similar experience??

[Bill]

I have ocular migraines from time to time. Visual disturbance, an aura is what they call it, that starts as a small sparkly spot and eventually expands out. A chance meeting with a neurology student a few weeks back cleared up some worries, but there's not much actually known at this point as you're seeing, it's all just trial and error. I'm trying one of his ideas and haven't had a cup of coffee since the day we talked. Unfortunately the frequency is so erratic that I have no idea after two weeks if anything has changed, but it might be worth a try for your girlfriend. Keeping a diary is really hard when they occur so randomly. I do know that for me the worst thing I can do is lay down and try and sleep it off early. Being outside seems to work, not focusing on text or televisions, monitors etc... but instead sit outside in natural light, but that's just me.

[Hector]

my sister has them everyday , all day. She had medication that she takes just so she can function. She's 43 and has tried everything it seems. It seems to me hormonal , but they can't find the trigger either on her. She goes a few times a year to get studied and now has learned to live with them, but it still is no way to live.

My sister gets them a lot too (not everyday like your sis though)...she also had to learn to live with them...I feel so bad for her.

I was blessed in that department...I hardly get them at all...only when I drink too much...and only for a little while (due to dehydration).

[vulcan2074]

Sometimes I get them to the point where I feel my Heads about to Crack Open and I can't open my Eyes. If Pills aren't helping I then resort to Eye Drops and an Ice bag on my Head and Something with Caffeine. It sometimes helps. Normally I just end up in Bed with my head under my Pillow. Right Now I'm pretty Lucky that I don't have them that often, but when I do there the worst. I still don't know why I get them.
Sammy

[megocrazy]

I get them occasionally. Right behind my eyeballs it feels like. My doctor says they could be sinus related in my case but unless I show up for tests when I'm experiencing them they can't be sure. Kinda like telling the machanic about an occasional noise in your car. I have nothing to the extent of some discussed here. I close my eyes though I could never sleep while I have them. Just not being exposed to light makes them less painful. Best of luck to all in finding a solution to their headaches.

[Goblin19]

My mom used to get them a lot when we were kids. Newer medication has reduced their severity and frequency. My brother gets them occasionally, but so far I've been spared. I know they are really brutal. My mom used to have us sqeeze her head when we were kids just to relieve some pain.

[toys2cool]

yup ! I still get them but not as bad as when I was a teen

[AJJ]

I have ocular migraines from time to time. Visual disturbance, an aura is what they call it, that starts as a small sparkly spot and eventually expands out.

There the ones I get from time to time to. The visual disurbance goes after about 30 minutes but leave me so tired and drained I'm lucky if I get up for the rest of the day.

[JPkempo]

The ones I get only last a day at most. Alcohol is one of my trigers, so I don't drink. Other times they just happen.

[Riffster]

i get em all the time, have one now as a matter of fact. my wife gets them alot too

[Bill]

There the ones I get from time to time to. The visual disurbance goes after about 30 minutes but leave me so tired and drained I'm lucky if I get up for the rest of the day.

Mine are about the same, 30 minutes, then thankfully just a dull headache on the left side until I finally go to sleep that night. It also makes me very tired for some reason. If I keep working generally it's much better than if I go and lay on the couch. But I work outside and in attics and all kindsa crazy stuff that keeps my mind and body busy. When I worked in an office they were much worse, lasted longer and were way more frequent.
I did find a fairly simple fix when I was working in the office, I have no idea why it worked but just taking an aspirin every morning kept them away. Could have just been a placebo effect, but give it a try if you're having them frequently.

[ScottA]

I don't get them. Never have. And I don't have sinus trouble either.

[Manspider]

I suffer from similar migraines. Once it arrives, it has to run its course (one day - one week). The trick is to find the trigger or triggers. Then, you can minimize their frequency; however, they won't become extinct. Look into stress. People often focus on foods, environmental factors, and physical health as triggers. I recommend your girlfriend learn several stress management techniques. I think it will help her migraines. If anything, she'll be more relaxed.

[Donkey Hoatie]

Yup, I get them every year around this time. I should be due for one soon enough. Mine seem to come just as soon as fall gets into full swing. We're still having some summer-like conditions in Chicago, so I haven't gotten them yet. Kills me for about two days and then I'm all right.

[AJJ]

Mine are about the same, 30 minutes, then thankfully just a dull headache on the left side until I finally go to sleep that night. It also makes me very tired for some reason. If I keep working generally it's much better than if I go and lay on the couch. But I work outside and in attics and all kindsa crazy stuff that keeps my mind and body busy. When I worked in an office they were much worse, lasted longer and were way more frequent.
I did find a fairly simple fix when I was working in the office, I have no idea why it worked but just taking an aspirin every morning kept them away. Could have just been a placebo effect, but give it a try if you're having them frequently.

I try to keep busy if I can,for reason it does seem to help. I've never had any benefit from going for a lay down in a dark room. I'll try the aspirin thing see if it helps.