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Old 07-30-2012, 09:58 AM
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Dr. Smith Dr. Smith is offline
Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lost in Space
Posts: 3,515
10 yr Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Not_Real41 View Post
Im gonna star a migrane diary and food diary to see if any foods I eat trigger it so i can change that.
Excellent. Some neurologists have specific diaries they prefer patients to use, but you can find many online by googling: headache log journal
Here is one site with many styles; you can use one already prepared, or create/modify your own, suited to your (and your doctor's) specific needs.
http://www.freeprintablemedicalforms...tegory/diaries

Searching: migraine triggers may yield some clues

That you've found some things that do work, even somewhat and/or temporarily, is encouraging. Imitrex is one of a class of medications called triptans. There are many more in that class, and if one works somewhat, there's a good chance that another may work even better. Everyone is different, so what works for one may not work for another. The same can be said for side effects (I can't use Imitrex, but Maxalt works great for me). It may take some tries to find the one that works best for you.

Rebound headaches are possible, but please don't let fear of them deter you from finding relief. They're usually due to medication overuse, rather than occasional use for need, so some of it depends on the frequency of your migraines. If you can differentiate between your migraine and a rebound headache (some can; some cannot), it makes dealing with them much easier.

At some point, again depending on frequency/severity, they may put you on some kind of prophylactic medication. Like the abortives, there are many kinds/types, and you may have to try several until you find one that works (if you ever do). Look into (research online) the long term effects of any prophylactic meds you're likely to stay on. I was remiss in this, and it may have been a factor in causing my peripheral neuropathy (which is no fun either). If you want to know about that, send me a PM.

IMO, accupuncture is worth a try, as is myofascial trigger point therapy (by a certified MTP therapist), physical therapy (some migraines can be mechanical/physical in origin/trigger), biofeedback, lifestyle/diet changes, supplements, and probably a few I'm forgetting...

The worst pain (aside from the migraines themselves) is that it can take some time to find/develop useful treatments. Caution: It can get you feeling like a guinea pig.

The more you can learn/know about headaches, migraines, treatments, and your own body, the better you can help the doctors help you, which is why I stress all the research/homework -- it's the only/best shortcut.

Doc
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Dr. Zachary Smith
Oh, the pain... THE PAIN...

Dr. Smith is NOT a medical doctor. He was a character from LOST IN SPACE.
All opinions expressed are my own. For medical advice/opinion, consult your doctor.
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