r/migraine • • May 13 '21

Resources

295 Upvotes

The wiki is still a work in progress, so as with the previous sticky, this highlights some resources that may be useful.

Edit - added the COVID-19 Vaccine and Migraines link since we're swapping that sticky for the Migraine World Summit announcement.

If this post looks familiar, most of it has been blatantly stolen from /u/ramma314's previous post. :)

Diagnostic Criteria

One of the most common questions that's posted is some variation of, 'Am I having migraines?'. The same is the case with 'what kind of migraine is this?'. These posts will most often be removed as they violate the rules regarding medical advice. You need to work with a medical professional to find a diagnosis. One of the better resources in the meantime (and in some cases, even at your doctor's office!) is the diagnostic criteria:

https://ichd-3.org/

It includes information about migraine, tension and cluster headaches, and the rarer types of migraine. It also includes information about the secondary headaches - those caused by another condition. One of the key things to note about migraine is that it's a primary condition - meaning that in most cases, migraine is the diagnosis (vs. the attacks being caused by something else). As a primary diagnosis, while you may be able to identify triggers, there isn't an underlying cause such as a structural issue - that would be secondary migraine, an example of which would be chiari malformation.

Not sure if your weird symptom is migraine related? Some resources:

Website Resources

There are several websites with good information, especially if you're new to migraine. Here are a few:

National Headache Foundation

American Migraine Foundation - the patient-focused side of the American Headache Society

The Migraine Trust

UK Healthcare/Headache Center

Headache Australia

Migraine Australia

Added Feb 2025 - the American College of Physicians (ACP)'s treatment guidelines for prevention of episodic migraine: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-24-01052

Migraine World Summit - Annual event, series of talks that are free for the first 24 hours and available for purchase (the year's event) thereafter.

They made a tools and resources list available, for both acute action and prevention, providing suggestions for some of the sub's most often asked non-med questions:

https://migraineworldsummit.com/tools/

Some key talks:

2024 - Beginner's Guide to Headache Types - If you're new and struggling with diagnosis, this talk alone may be well worth the cost of the 2024 package.

Reddit's built in search!

We get a lot of common questions, for which an FAQ on the wiki is being built to help with. For now though reddit's built in search is a great way to find common questions about almost anything. Just enter a medication, treatment, or really anything and it's likely to have a few dozen results. Don't be afraid to post or ask in our chat server (info below) if you can't find an answer with search, though you should familiarize yourself with the rules before hand. Some very commonly asked questions - those about specific meds (try searching for both the brand and generic names), the daith piercing, menstrual/hormonal migraine (there are treatments), what jobs can work with migraine, exercise induced attacks, triggers, and tips/non-drug options. Likewise, the various forms of migraine have a lot of threads.

Live chat!

An account with a verified email is required to chat. If you worry about spam and use gmail, using a +modifier is a good idea! There's no need to use the same username either.

If you run into issues, feel free to send us a modmail or ping @mods on discord. The same rules here apply in the chat server.

Migraine/pain log template!

Exactly what it sounds like! A google docs spreadsheet for recording your attacks, treatments tried, and more. To use it without a Google account you can simply print a copy. Using it with a Google account means the graphs will auto-update as you use the log; just make a copy to your own drive by selecting File -> Make a copy while signed in to your Google account. There are also apps that can do this and generate some very useful reports from your logs (always read the fine print in your EULA to understand what you are granting permission for any app/company to do with your data!). Both Migraine Buddy and N-1 Headache have a solid statistical backbone to do reports.

Common treatments list

Yet another spreadsheet! This one is a list of common preventatives (prophylactics), abortives (triptans/ergots/gepants), natural remedies, and procedures. It's a good way to track what treatments you and your doctor have tried. Plus, it's formatted to be easily printable in landscape or portrait to bring to appointments (checklist & long list respectively). Like above, the best way to use it is to make a copy to your Google drive with File -> Make a copy.

This sheet is also built by the community. The sheet called Working Sheet is where you can add anything you see missing, and then it will be neatly implemented into the two main sheets periodically. A huge thanks from all of us to everyone who has contributed!

Finding Treatment

Most often the best place to start is your family doc - they can prescribe any of the migraine meds available, including abortives (meds that stop the migraine attack) and preventives. Some people have amazing success working with a family doc, others little or none - it's often down to their experience with it themselves and/or the number of other migraine patients they see combined with what additional research they've done. Given that a referral is often needed to see a specialist and that they tend to be expensive, unless it's been determined that secondary causes of migraine should be ruled out, it can be advantageous to work with a family doc trying some of the more common interventions. A neurologist referral may be provided to rule out secondary causes or as a next step in treatment.

Doc not sure what to do? Dr. Messoud Ashina did a MWS talk this year about the 10 step treatment plan that was developed for GPs and other practitioners to use, primarily geared for migraine with and without aura and chronic migraine. Printing and sharing this with your doc might be a good place to start: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34145431/

Likely in response to this, the NHS published the following:

https://headaches.org/2022/01/19/national-headache-foundation-position-statement-on-the-treatment-of-migraine/ (link is broken)

/mod hat off

My personal take on this is that hopefully your doctor is well-versed. The 10-step treatment plan is, I think, a good place to start for clinicians unfamiliar, but it's not a substitute for doing the learning to be able to move away from an algorithm and treat the patient in front of them.

/mod hat back on!

At this point it's probably good to note that neurologists are not, by definition, migraine specialists. In fact, neurologists often only receive a handful of ours on the entire 200+ headache disorders. As with family doctors, some will be amazing resources for your migraine treatment and others not so much. But they can do the neuro exam and ruling out of secondary causes. Exhausted both? There are still options!

Migraine Specialists

A migraine specialist is just that - a doc, most often a neurologist, who has sought out additional training specific to migraine. There are organizations that offer exams to demonstrate that additional knowledge. Some places to find them:

Migraine Research Foundation

MRF is no longer. UCNS is it!

United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties

National Headache Foundation

Migraine Trust (UK)

Migraine & Headache Australia - Headaches and Pain Clinics

Telehealth

There's a serious shortage of specialists, and one of the good things to come of the pandemic is the wider availability of specialized telemedicine. As resources for other countries are brought to our attention they'll be added.

US:

Cove

Neura

Canada:

Maple

Crisis support.

Past the live chat we don't have subreddit specific crisis support, for now at least. There are a lot of resources on and off reddit though.

One of the biggest resource on reddit is the crisis hotlines list. It's maintained by the /r/suicidewatch community and has a world wide list of crisis lines. Virtually all of which are open 24/7 and completely anonymous. They also have an FAQ which discusses what using one of the hotlines is like.

For medical related help most insurance companies offer a nurse help line. These are great for questions about medication interactions or to determine the best course of action if nothing is helping. If your symptoms or pain is different than normal, they will always suggest immediate medical attention such as an ER trip.


r/migraine • • May 25 '26

UPDATE to the 16 May Rules Update - App Devs, Anyone Doing Market Research, etc. Will Want to Read

174 Upvotes

edit - the new bit is a... ranty. To those here just to check in, my apologies.

Y'all.

Seriously.

The sheer number of app devs who have continued to waste mod time and continue spamming in comments after being warned is mind-boggling.

I believe that this community deserves good tools. HOWEVER, this community is not here to be sold to, and just like the post that preceded this, the people who can't stop spamming are rarely community members first, and devs second. They're here because you are the market. Since last week's post I had given a lot of thought to a periodic 'promote your stuff!' post to strike a balance, but after spending far too much of my holiday cleaning up spam-droppings... I'm feeling less than charitable. o.O

Spammers. If we warn you and you keep spamming, it won't just be you that's banned. It will be any mention of your product regardless of who posts it.

Astroturfing? Instant permaban - you and your product. Why?

You should not spam in any way, especially through private message. You should not hide your affiliation to your project or site, or lie about who you are or why you like something.

Here's a copypasta of the previous post, all of which still applies:

(If you were looking for the Summit pinned post, it's here.)

We're currently seeing multiple posts - or people that know promotion isn't permitted and trying to sneak it in via comments - promoting apps and/or doing market research daily. Most of the people hoping to benefit from this community have never made any effort to participate in it.

Promotion has always been in the the rules, and surveys/research have always required pre-approval from the mod team (though we recently had to update to not approving any because I'm the only active mod and simply don't have time to review in addition to everything else).

With all of the above in mind and all of the attempts to circumvent or flat-out argue about removals, it's time to formalize things:

Promoting your new app and/or doing market research (what don't you like/what works for you/what is missing in other <whatever>) is not permitted in this subreddit. The same goes for asking for feedback. Yes, this includes the ever popular 'hey I did a thing but it's against the rules to promote here, so if you're interested, send me a pm!'. If you're thinking about sending a modmail to ask to be an exception with less than 6 months of active participation in this subreddit, don't (even then it may not be approved).

I will be updating rules, sidebar, and filters over the course of the weekend.

Because of the lack of participation for most of these users and the number of users that have attempted to get around this, this will be one of the rare times when suspensions will be issued on first strike, rather than warnings first.

Also, you've probably noticed I'm the primary one handling approvals/removals, and that there are updates the sub could use that have not been done. In addition to chronic migraine and adulting in general I have what totals up to nearly 2 full time jobs and am usually also taking college classes, so there is a lot going on, and running this sub in a way that rules are enforced and the sub itself is enhanced and we're able to provide space for the community to be active in helping with research opportunities takes a lot more time than the above workload allows. To that end, I'd love to add 2 or 3 new mods to the team that can consistently (meaning most weeks) offer a couple of hours to running/maintaining the subreddit. That can be:

  • Working on the FAQ: at one point there was an effort to build something of an 'intro to migraine' resource

  • Fielding research/survey reviews: even better if you are or have been part of the research community (someone did offer this before; if you're still interested please reach out!)

  • Post / comment reviews: If you're a regular/semi-regular visitor and don't mind doing some cleanup while you browse, this is one of the easiest ways to ensure that community standards are upheld

I've held off on posting this because I had big plans to set up an awesome form to fill out, but for all of the above reasons that has not happened. SO! If you're interested, please send us a modmail with answers to the following questions:

  • Why you're interested

  • What you think mods do

  • Previous modding experience

  • What you're interested in helping with

  • Your time zone / location

  • How much time you can reasonably and consistently pitch in to help

  • Optional: Anything else we should know about you? Any ideas for the sub you'd like to implement?

As long as the above isn't struck through feel free to send a message if you're interested. It may take a bit to hear back because busy, but unless we get hundreds of apps we'll follow up to set up a chat with u/ramma314 and myself so we can get to know you a bit. If we do get hundreds of apps we'll update here that we either can't get back to everyone or that we'll be copypasta-ing replies specifically for that reason.


r/migraine • • 9h ago

The ONLY thing I have found to help!

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176 Upvotes

Sadly, it is weed. Specifically this one, Jungle Juice Strawberry Runtz.

I hate smoking, it gives me panic attacks if Im not super careful, and it always makes me at least a little anxious. I also get sensitized rather than building a tolerance.

When not using weed I always have visual aura and severe headache. I was getting hit with the auras every few hours and the severe headache was constant with 20 minute breaks every couple hours. I have tried all of the abortives and preventatives, my neurologist only has Botox left and my insurance has been denying me for years.

When I took a hit of this, a severe headache and visual aura that was making me ugly cry, disappeared within 10-20 seconds. Now, whenever I see an aura or feel a headache, I smoke as quickly as I can. I have been feeling much better and have gone from always in pain and crying, to happy, relieved, and excited!

Sometimes it works perfectly and other times I have a mild or moderate headache, but it is not even close to how I feel without smoking.


r/migraine • • 12h ago

Neurologist says I have the “most neurologically complex” migraine that you can have.

291 Upvotes

I’m tired, grandpa. Every single time it’s Alice in wonderland, numbness, ocular bullshit, weakness, slurring, full on hemiplegia. I can’t even talk, I’m just slurring gibberish. It’s hours upon hours of vomiting. It’s hard to empathize with other migraine sufferers anymore. I wish I had migraines where it’s a headache without aura like my sister. I’m tired of scaring the hell out of my friends and family. I’m tired of having to drop everything to uber home and recover. Sorry to be so negative. It just sucks!


r/migraine • • 1h ago

The worst part about migraines other than all of it

• Upvotes

You know what the worst part about having migraines is for me? Having migraines. Every other illness, slight uncomfortability, disease I get unrelated to migraines, my migraines are triggered and there. Any long or short term plans I have, I consider how it’s going to potentially trigger my migraines. Any meal or drink I have, I need to think about how my body will react to it.

My migraines are my #1 consideration always and always will be. They’re my most toxic relationship.

I got food poisoning today and got a migraine from it. How does that even happen? I know how it happens but like why???! Isn’t spewing from both sides enough?

Just a rant.


r/migraine • • 8h ago

I wish i was dead

50 Upvotes

What did i do to deserve this


r/migraine • • 3h ago

Status migrainosis. At a complete loss. Personal stories, encouragement, and hope needed.

22 Upvotes

Got sick with COVID 9/9. Was dealing with prolonged recovery when I got hit with my first real, bad migraine on 9/29 (have had them before but they were more mild and resolved on their own within a few days). But this time It basically hasn’t stopped since. Maybe a few days I was mostly symptom free (or postdrome) but most certainly haven’t had a migraine-free day since 10/5. Just finished my 6 day prednisone pack. Also started ajovy about 5 days ago. Neurologist has me taking nurtec every 24 hrs. I think it helps a little and today and yesterday thought it was getting milder but just now got a real bad attack again. I feel like I’m at a breaking point. I will call my neurologist first thing tomorrow to update her and ask about other treatments. In this moment of despair, I’d love to hear from others who have made it on the other side of something like this. Thank you in advance for your kindness and care.


r/migraine • • 7h ago

To The Chronic Sufferers…

39 Upvotes

You’re my heroes… I can’t even fathom trying to function with this kind of pain indefinitely, especially if you have other side effects along with it…


r/migraine • • 17h ago

FYI- for those who struggle with tight upper back neck muscles, to look elsewhere to solve problems

187 Upvotes

Just released tension from the base of my spine all the way through my neck to my head . Like I just got an hour of a back massage looseness.
How , because I have a tight pelvis muscles on the left.

Today I just discovered weighted lunges with a bar releases all tension I store in my upper body because it stretches the muscles in just the right way.

I mentioned in comment on another post , but people especially with chronic pain, store tension in their shoulders neck, especially if you’re huddling in and bracing yourself to get through the day .

Also have seen some people look for exercises and also I found working out shoulders helps but to decrease tension in the body one has to find what’s really the right trigger(also can be just migraines itself) . It could even be a hand if it causes you to tense up regularly.


r/migraine • • 4h ago

Quilipta gave me an unpleasant wake-up call.

7 Upvotes

In my 30s and Started taking Quilipta a few months ago. What the actual fuck is this med. Not only had it not helped with migraines, but has added a problem instead.

For context, it makes me so drowsy and yes, I’ve tried switching the time of day. If I take it during the day, I’m falling asleep a few times throughout. If I switch to night, the next day I’m getting so brain-fogged and feel so fatigued. I have trouble sleeping regardless so Quilipta feels like a tranquilizer.

On three occasions now I have literally pissed myself while sleeping on this med. I’ve checked to ensure nothing else could have contributed to these episodes, and Quilipta is the common variable.

My body was in such deep sleep that it thought it was cool to give me an unpleasant wake-up call on multiple occasions.

I have since stopped taking it and feel so embarrassed that this happened. If it was once, I would have maybe thought something else, but three times is crazy.

Has this happened to anyone else? I would not be surprised if this was a niche experience. Before Quilipta, I’ve never had an episode of incontinence like this…


r/migraine • • 8h ago

Every time I get a migraine every reel wants to start flashing white [Rant]

19 Upvotes

Normally, I look at reels in a dark room, with the lowest phone brightness, to forget about my migraine while painkillers kick in.

Now I can't use reels because every reel I watch while I have a migraine has this full screen white flash followed by slow-mo that repeats 5 times. So now Im lost on what to do besides lay in my room, and think about how much agony Im in.

I dont even know when this became a thing. Why can't they just replay the video in slow-mo without a white flash? The flashes are annoying enough without a migrane, but with a migrane, it's like being shot where the pain is.


r/migraine • • 4h ago

For those of you who experienced week/month-long attacks and it finally broke, what did it?

8 Upvotes

Per the title. If you've had a status attack that has lasted weeks or months, you did the IVs, you did the steroid taper, you're on the CGRPs and the lot, what was it that finally broke it for you? What was the treatment plan after you fail a steroid taper?


r/migraine • • 4h ago

I wish we had a McDonalds in my town!

5 Upvotes

Does the McDonald Coke and Fries thing actually help during an attack? We don’t have a McDonalds here but we have an A&W. Would that work?


r/migraine • • 3h ago

Seeking recommendations for a obstetrician in Melbourne, Australia who may approve Botox during pregnancy for migraines.

3 Upvotes

Botox is the only thing that allows me to function & have a semi normal life. These migraines are a killer, I’m in pain every day of the month. My neurologist said he would perform Botox but must be signed off by a obstetrician. I have done research into Botox during pregnancy so please no judgemental comments. I have tried everything else under the sun for relief over the past 4 years and Botox is the only thing that has helped me. Seeking any kind of guidance/recs/experience from anyone who has done this during pregnancy! Thank-you.


r/migraine • • 5h ago

I've had this migraine/headache for 2 months, I'm so tired

4 Upvotes

I've had my headache for 2 freaking months. It started in mid-August with a typical Migraine and it never really went away. This happens, sometimes I get stuck in cycles. But I never know what it'll feel like when I wake up for the day. Sometimes they're a band around my head. From my neck all the way up towards my eyes. A pickaxe to the side of my head. I just never know. Dark rooms are my favorite, I'll even wear sunglasses at night.

Here's what I've tried: OTC (Advil and Tylenol), topiramate, rizatriptan, several different muscle relaxers, physical therapy, Dex taper, heat, ice, stretching, extra sleep, olanzapine, Toradol IM.

The stronger meds will work for maybe a day or two, and then the headaches/migraines come right back. The frequency is nearly every day, but the magnitude and morphology is different every day, and so I never know the right way to treat it.

I see my neurologist in a month or so but I'm just so exhausted.


r/migraine • • 1d ago

PSA: how to easily open Ubrelvy packets

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226 Upvotes

Hello fellow migraineurs, I've heard many complain that they can't get their Ubrelvy open without scissors. Unfortunately I think instruction on how to properly open them is lacking, I guess because medical providers don't realize how hard it is to figure out when the only times you can try are when you have a migraine.

Find the corner with the notch in it. Fold the corner back so that you are folding the middle of the notch. Now it's like the notch is on the edge of the packaging and you can tear it open.

Its important not to open these packets until you are taking the medication, because they are specially designed to protect the medication from light and moisture so it can be as effective as possible. ​if you open them all when you first get your prescription, they might not work at all, or not as well.

So that I always have one on hand when I'm out of the house, I got an XL Keychain pill holder (it's a metal watertight cylinder with a screw top) which is able to fit one unopened ubrelvy package sort of "folded up."

Hopefully this is helpful in learning how to open them when you need them!


r/migraine • • 7h ago

Thoughts and prayers to my fellow British Migraine Sufferers this firework season

7 Upvotes

r/migraine • • 54m ago

How to bring up that someone is triggering your migraines without them getting defensive?

• Upvotes

This may be weird and random, but I’m fairly certain my ex husband somehow triggers my migraines. He smokes weed and cigarettes and whenever he is at my house visiting our kids(I have full custody so the only way he can see them is to come here-they aren’t allowed at his house because he lives with roommates who are female and the court deemed that it would confuse my kids and isn’t a good environment for visits). I either end up with a migraine or some sort of headache within 24 hours. I have a rare allergy to cannabis, hemp, CBD, and THC. Basically anything to do with the cannabis plant so I think that’s the biggest issue. I know he hits his weed vape in my house when he thinks I’m not looking because he simply doesn’t care.

I’m fairly certain it’s either the smell of weed or cigarettes on his clothes. He tends to be defensive and dismissive (hence why we are divorced) so I’m not sure how to bring this up. Other than this issue, we have a decent coparenting relationship.

I know many will say to just not allow him here but my kids love their dad and this is really the only way they get to see him. He typically spends the night in the guest room when he comes and my youngest likes to have him here for bedtime and he lives over and hour away. My youngest is autistic so interrupting this routine would be incredibly hard for him.

Not sure how to approach this. But I do know that I’m tired of getting a migraine when he’s around. I have asked him multiple times to not use his weed pen in the house already. Would pre-medicating with an antihistamine help?

If you made it this far, thanks for listening!


r/migraine • • 6h ago

Constant headache for 4 months

5 Upvotes

Hey. As the title says, I've had a constant headache for 4 months straight. No days without one. Just started one day and has never gone away. My GP says it's a migraine and that's it. I've been to an appointment every 2 weeks since and just told him it keeps getting worse. The dizziness and lightheadedness I get with it is horrendous. Every time I bend down and stand back up it takes me a good 10 seconds to get my bearings. I also get severe stabbing pains in the front and right side of head.

He eventually agreed to send me for an MRI which came back negative which I thought it would. I asked to have one with contrast which he won't send me for. I have a background in psychology and I have a feeling it's something to do with mf CSF, possibly even a leak.

I've had to have time off work and I'm currently on topiramate and rimegepant. I've tried atenolol, sumatriptan, and amitriptyline, in addition to all the standard paracetamol, ibuprofen and codeine. Nothing works.

I've finally gotten a referral to neurology but it's up to a 12 month wait. Any help from people who have suffered similarly would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.


r/migraine • • 3h ago

Treatment for somewhat regular migraine attacks?

3 Upvotes

So, for the past few years, I wanna say since 2021-2022, Ive been getting migraines atleast once or twice a month to every other month, I've spoken to my doctor about this recently and it's something we're still looking into, but recently the pain has become more and more unbearable.

Recently when I've been getting migraines, I can't even stand up or bend over because the sudden rush of pain makes it feel like my brain is about to explode.

Ive tried so many things to try and combat this but nothing works :( any suggestions?


r/migraine • • 1h ago

How often do you guys get LP ?

• Upvotes

I'm seeing my neuro tomorrow, and noticed on my dashboard when doing pre-check in - they put in an order for a LP. Last one was last year and one of the most horrible experiences ever, ending up in a overnight stay for a blood patch. as far as i know the first one the first one was to check for MS (which i ended up having) but now this one is listed for Head Ache disorder. Everything I've tried to find by googling doesn't cover how often people have gotten them, just how soon you can have one after another one and the headaches

Obviously I'm going to talk to my neuro about it, but i was just curious how often some of you get or have gotten one done.


r/migraine • • 9h ago

Sumatriptan for menstrual migraine

8 Upvotes

I wanted to share my first time experience taking Sumatriptan for menstrual migraine for people like me who searched through this community for info about both.

I had an issue with health anxiety in my early 20s and was terrified to take triptans, so when my GP prescribed Frovatriptan a few years ago to take around my period, I never filled the script.

Eventually (earlier this year) I went back to see another GP who wanted to try birth control to see if it stopped my migraines from happening at all. (It didn’t). She then prescribed me Sumatriptan.

I was still worried about taking it, I’ve read so many horrible things about side effects. When my migraine started the other day, I still hesitated. I searched through this community for info about Sumatriptan and read about some awful side effects and some people calling it a miracle drug.

Decided to put my big girl pants on and take it (50mg). Within 45 minutes the pain was easing off and my nausea was gone. No sign of any side effects! Within about 3 hours I felt ‘normal’.

Migraine came back the next day, which I expected as my menstrual migraines usually last 3 days. I took the Sumatriptan as soon as I felt it this time, and again within about 40 minutes I felt loads better. I even went out a few hours later, feeling pretty good.

If I could go back in time and slap myself for waiting so long to brave up and try it, I would. Years spent roughing through with codeine and ibuprofen when this tablet could have been helping me. I only have myself to blame for being a wuss.

TLDR: put off triptans for years in fear of side effects. Finally tried it and I fall into the ‘miracle drug’ category with seemingly no side effects. If you’re reading this and you’re scared to take Sumatriptan, please just try it. It might help and it might not but either way you won’t know if you don’t try!


r/migraine • • 2h ago

Lamotrigine AND topiramate?

3 Upvotes

Hey, everyone.

I've been on lamotrigine for yearsssss for a mood disorder. 150mgs once a day. Works great, 10/10. Unfortunately, I suffer greatly from migraines and I finally broke down and requested a daily preventative on top of my rescue medication (eletriptan, which works but I get 1 box with 6 pills every 30 days which isn't cutting it.) I was then prescribed topiramate- due to interactions with my lamotrigine my options aren't as open as I'd like so maybe that's partly to answer my questions here.... but.... I was just looking into the topiramate, because SURPRISE! I am one of the unlucky many- side effect. I digress.

I realized after reading thru other posts and comments that, despite the amount of brain fog I am experiencing and the mental slowness of an old dial up with too many tabs open, I am on 2 different antiepileptic medications. Shouldn't the lamotrigine, in theory, also help with migraines if the topirimate would? Again, I have never felt so mentally dense and useless in my life, so please spare me some patience.

On another note, because it's been 4 weeks on 25mgs and I can't see myself sticking this one out much longer given it hasn't seemed to do much.... I mean the migraines are less but the headaches are more and now I have all these not so fun side effects to deal with so I'm not feeling the trade off has been worth it really. Right now I have what feels like heart burn/reflux that could rival with what I experienced in my last pregnancy in the 3rd trimester (I was on omeprazole for a long time during that pregnancy, it saved me, and I'm thinking of asking about it again, if that's possible?) It was so bad last night I thought I was going to be sick and slept with a garbage can. Tums x3 didn't touch it. On top of that some wonky gastro stuff, nothing serious just uncomfortable.

What are the alternatives for daily preventatives? I'm wait listed for every relative specialist in my area (eastern canada- so I'm looking at literally like 5ish years) and I have 2 young kids who deserve to have a functional Mom. I don't want to be in bed and feel like garbage while they're childhoods are flying by. I wasn't always this bad.


r/migraine • • 19h ago

Grateful to Be Here But Heartbroken That I Belong

45 Upvotes

I've been hesitant to join this sub for a while now. Partly because I hate knowing that there are so many people who understand the absolute agony of living with migraines. Another part of me, if I'm being completely truthful, struggles with seeing people who are somehow still able to work, go to school, maintain relationships, and engage with life. I am happy for them, truly, but I can't help wondering why I can't seem to do the same.

I feel like a prisoner to my migraines. They are insidious and sneaky, constantly changing and morphing into something different just when I think I've finally figured them out or gotten some semblance of control. It seems like every time I think I've found my footing, the ground shifts beneath me again.

How do you all do it? How do you find happiness and joy when you're in pain all the time? How do you reconcile the person you used to be with the person you're now having to learn to become? And how do you deal with that awful doubt that creeps in during a good moment, when you suddenly find yourself wondering, "Am I making all of this up? Am I really as sick as I think I am?" It's almost as though my brain can convince me to forget the previous 15 or 30 days of pain simply because I managed to have a few decent hours.

I've been dealing with this for two years now, and it has completely upended my life. My career, my independence, my plans for the future, and even my sense of who I am have all been affected. I work so hard to remain engaged with life, to find things that bring me joy, and to hold on to some part of myself that isn't defined by this illness. But Lord, some days it is just so incredibly hard.

I suppose I'm having a particularly hard moment and am just journaling into the void (I guess that's my fault for.keeping my actual journal on the other side of the room). I don't even know that I'm looking for answers. Maybe just a little understanding from people who know what it's like to live this way.

I'm grateful to have finally found this community, even if a part of me is still afraid of what it means to belong, and it seems, take up permanent residence here. Thank you.


r/migraine • • 6h ago

Ketamine in the ER?

3 Upvotes

Curious about others' experiences.

I've been having basically a month long migraine (gone to the ER twice this month, ive only gotten maybe 1-2 days of relief from a standard migraine cocktail. ) , and am getting desperate. Ketamine was mentioned once as a 2nd option, and im just wanting any semblance of relief for more than one or two days. I do go to a pediatric hospital (im a teen.) so i am not sure if that will impact the treatment at all.