Aura Migraines

I had migraines for years and years. At least 90% of them were hormonally based, always at the same time of the month. I went on low estrogen birth control pills continuously -- never having the week off to get my period (which was a plus all by itself). Doing this kept my hormones at a steady level. It virtually eliminated my migraines. I might get one a year from lack of sleep or triggered by a smell, but having that one versus at least one a month was a huge difference. Don't know if you might benefit from doing this but it might be worth a try versus all the other medication they want to put you on.

I get those "monthly" migraines as well but have not been to a doctor for them. However I have a child who has epilepsy and he takes depakote as an anticonvulsant--it is a drug that has been around for a long time and has a proven track record for epilepsy, bipolar, AND women's migraines. I learned a lot about it from Dr. Amen (amenclinics.com). It is frustrating to not have meds work and the trail and error of side effects; but it is also frustrating to keep experiencing pain if there IS some kind of help.

Have you tried acupuncture?

You may think this sounds really simplistic or out there, but a year ago I was having lots of bad headaches (not as bad as yours) and wasn't sleeping well. I finally saw a chiropractor who also practices applied kinesiology (similiar to accupressure). He also made diet recommendations. I'm not saying this will help you, but it's worth a try to not take all the drugs.

I suffer from Migraines and Aura Migraines. I was prescribed several different types of medications that I just couldn't take. I eventually tried seeing an Upper Cervical Doctor and they have dramatically decreased. I was getting migraines every day for three months. Since I've been seeing my Upper Cerival Doctor, I might get one a month, if any at all. Check it out. It's worth it.
http://www.uppercervicalcare.com/

have you noticed that they come on after you eat or drink anything particular. you should write down everything you have had to eat or drink within a 24 hr period when one comes on. we did that for my hubby and found out he was allergic to a specific food he was eating. it was hot dogs. we switched brands and he was fine for a week and then they came on like gangbusters. went to multiple drs and one suggested the food diary. when one would come on, he would write down everything he had to eat 24 hrs before that and the common denominator was the hot dog. we switched back to our old brand and they went away and have never come back.

Hi K. -

So sorry to hear about the migraines, I too have suffered from more classic migraines for over 25 years. Some of the newer medications you have tried come with a lot of side effects and Depakote is apretty hard core drug. Excedrin migraine is just Excedrin with a bunch of caffeine that will effect your blood vessels and hopefully allow the blood to flow and eliminate the aura, pain (they never allowed me to rest when I needed it). I never had any luck with neurologists for my migraines, I had better luck with a pain management doc. I have been taking an older medication that is called "Midrin" and sometimes "Phrenelin Forte". It is taken at first indication of the migraine and then a few hours later...nips it in the bud! I feel it is so much more effective than these newer families of migraine drugs. I would try to stay away from the Depakote though. Best of luck!

K. I have been going to a neurolgist and a headache specialist. I have been through six different med's and I have suffered from six different side effects. I stopped using them because I just don't want the side effects. I use Excedrine for migraines and it's been wonderful. However at least once a month I get a terrible migraine that Excedrine doesn't even touch. The neurologist would like me to reconsider a different type of medication. I am really considering it because that once a month is a killer. I went to a sleep clinic and it helped for awhile however my regular headaches came back. I am trying to take a look at changing my lifestyle, regular sleep schedule, my diet, etc. I hope you can get some relief.

It's been awhile since I went through the medication circus, but I ended up with Imitrex. I haven't had any side effects yet.

I have not had a migraine in, maybe 25 yrs now. They stopped when I was put on blood presssure meds. Maybe you just need a good internist. Good luck.
The migraines were the worst suffering I have ever had in my life, and seemed tied to my cycle. I did have a partial hyst at 35, and that probably lessened them by 1/2.

How often are you having them? Each month during your cycle or just sometimes? Do you have them every month during your cycle? I have the aura ones and I know the sensation and then know I am getting one! I am not sure of all my causes yet but I do know one for sure, it is any light that shines in my eyes, whether it is looking at a light bulb, the sun shining on a car as it passes by, or just lights in general. Another thing is weird patterns like stripes or small dots, etc Anything that messes with my sight. For the light I ALWAYS have my sunglasses with me and I only buy the Maui Jim that have the UVA and UVB guard. When I feel it coming on I immediately take my meds and most of the time it helps but even if I catch it before the aura, I feel weird and tired the rest of the day. I am on MAXALT. You can have pill form or the melt on your mouth one. I went to a neurologist in Nashville if you are interested. Personally I would just ask the one you are going to now to give you maxalt to try. I don't have any side effects at all. The key is to catch the migraine before it goes into full blown. When you feel that sensation, take your pill. One thing one doc told my mom was to take a baby aspirin with a magnesium pill everyday to help control them. I started it and it actually seemed to help. Magnesium is good for nervous system and the baby aspirin helps the blood and the migraines are from the blood vessels in your head...not sure what happens but that is what I heard. Good luck! Ask for a sample of Maxalt, mine had some. They are pricey and you want to see if it works first.

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I get them too. It took a long time for a diagnosis-went to 3 different eye doctor! You would THINK that this would be something they would know about! I don't gt them veryoften so I don't treat them with anything-I just deal with it until it goes away. Sorry can't help you more. Maybe look into diet as it relates to migraines. I truly belive what we eats affects us more than we realize.

Have you tried a headache specialist? I am a little surprised that they seem to have gone from treating a particular headache episode to trying to prevent them with medication. Frova is a triptan used to treat migraines. There are several other triptans out there, including Imitrex, which you may tolerate better. I would exhaust that route also trying different prescription pain medications for the headache. During this time I would also keep a headache diary in which you write down everything you can about your day (food, activities) and particularly around the onset of a migraine. This may help you identify the trigger. It may be something that can be easily eliminated or avoided which means the prophylatic drugs (depakote, amitrytphiline, Zonegran, and Topamax) would not be needed. As someone else mentioned Execedrine is just aspirin, acetominophen (Tylenol) and caffeine in somewhat standard doses. Migraine pain also is easier to treat at the ONSET of the pain and not after it is full blown; so when you are starting to get the aura symptoms.

Hi K.,

I've never suffered from migraines but recently was in a car accident and walked away with a bad case of whiplash that was causing an excruciating headache(24/7). Chiropractic adjustments helped to alleviate the pain and I'm not having headaches anymore.

I also second the recommendation to eliminate MSG from your diet. It might be helpful to remove aspartame, as well. Dr. Mercola has great information on the effects of MSG and aspartame on our bodies. Examine your diet.

Stay hydrated also. Good luck.

Peace,
J.