Hi
EE03,
I have several years of... experience (though I usually think of it as
ordeal) with chronic (more than 15/month) migraines. A neuro likely won't have the knowledge/experience; you need to find a
migraine specialist, which is
usually a neurologist, but I've heard of other specialties going into it as well.
This is going to be a(nother) process, whether it's related to something else you already have or just comorbid. While you're looking for/waiting to see the migraine specialist, start a
Headache Log. This is a type of pain journal for headaches, in which you'll keep track of episodes, symptoms, pain levels, locations, triggers, meds taken, what helps & what makes them worse.... Anything & everything you can think of relating to the headaches & episodes.
Google:
headache log to get a better idea, and some sample logs you can download/copy. If none of them are quite right for your particular needs, take some ideas and create your own on a spreadsheet (that's what I wound up doing)
Not all migraines have triggers; not all migraines have headaches.
Google:
silent migraine
Start researching types of headaches & types of migraines, and see if you can't nail it down somewhat, so when you get to the right specialist, you'll be prepared, ahead of the game, and better able to help the doctor help you (and not have to wait several
more months collecting this data
).
Google:
headache diagnosis
Google:
headache diagnosis questionnaire
I don't blame you for not wanting to use Topamax/Dopamax/Stupamax, though you should know that it usually takes several months for it to be useful for migraine prophylaxis, and there are other medication options for that purpose as well.
In the meantime, you'll also need some type of migraine abortive. Imitrex and Maxalt are two popular (and effective) ones, but there are many more, and while one triptan may not work, don't rule the others out. Imitrex doesn't work for me at all, but Maxalt works very well.
http://www.webmd.com/migraines-heada...ine-treatments
And by all means, look into dietery triggers and treatments, supplements, physical therapy (worked a lot for mine - how's your posture? Sit a lot at a computer?) accupuncture, myofascial triggerpoint therapy, etc. There are many effective treatments besides prescribed medications (but get that
headache log started anyway.
)
Best wishes,
Doc