I have pretty bad migraines for years now, but so far none of the others you mention. XX
My BP (unless I have a migraine) is always in the lower end of normal.

relation of migraine to cerebral aneurysm

relation of migraine to vasculitis

relation of migraine to hypertension

You might also try the same searches on goggle scholar.

Doc

Dr. Smith
Thanks for the hint regarding the google search, and thanks for the links.
I have found that usually there is not much suggestion of relation between migrane and hypertension.
I found that there is relations between migrane and cerebral aneurysm. This presents with an increased headaches with aura before a rupture of an aneurysm.
But, from what I understand, migrane does not cause aneurysm.
Aneurysm is usually a cogenital condition of the vessels. (By the way, aneurysm is also familial) Family members of aneurysm patient, should be screened.
So, I guess, a person who has both, could have an exacerbation of migrane before a rupture of an aneurysm?
Then, should people with migrane go through the screening?
There definetly is relations between vasculitis and aneurysm, and that is obvious, vasculitis being a disease of the vessels, and could cause weakening in the wall.

I read the links posted here for Migrane profelaxes.
I am not so familiar with the new first line drugs like Maxalt and Divalproex.

But I am familiar regarding other first line like antidepressant like Amitripthyline . Also Betablocker, Propanolol.
I also see that Calcium Chanal Blocker is good as a second line of defence for migrane.
Dr. Smith, I used to be on Toprol for hypertension, but I was taken off a year ago due to the BP had become low ( probably due to starting on Amitripthyline and Lyrica)
Now I am having exacerbation of headache, and my BP is high.
I was given high dose of Steroid, due to flare up of vasculitis, so that has helped the headache but not the BP. I think something else might be going on. I am going to see my cardiologist. I think he should do a echocardiogram. Perhaps I should get back on Toprol.

I don't know. I have no family history of aneurysm. My migraines were chronic (more then 15/month) at their worst, and screening for aneurysm was never mentioned.

Neither Maxalt (rhizotriptan) nor Depakote (divalproex) are exactly new; both are old enough to be out of patent and available generically. AFAIK, Depakote is sometimes used prophylactically for migraine, however Maxalt is an abortive.

It sounds to me like you might want to have an updated discussion with a migraine specialist (not just a neurologist who says they can treat migraine) on treatment options, and formulate a plan for you that takes into account your medical history and individual needs, which may include one or more of preventative, abortive and/or rescue medication.

Preventive, Abortive, and Rescue Medications - What's the Difference?

Migraine Headache Treatment & Management

Doc

Dr. Smith
Yes, I agree. I am looking for a headache doctor. The problem is that today in modern medicine, all the medical specialties are again devided into sub specialties, and one can be running around for ever. One can actually be dead before any diagnosis is found. I do not trust doctors. I am always cautious. And I do not take their word for things right away. I have too many bad experiences.
Doctors often like to see you come to the office, and they find nothing wrong at the time, just " fallow up" next time. So that they just can have a constant revenew coming in for their cash flow .
You know the old saying " see no eveil, hear no evil" ???
What you do not know, you are not responsible for.
The first time I went to a specialist that I thought specializing in migrane( which I had been told I had, migrane without pain, only now, 2 years later, I have migrane WITH pain), this doctor comfirmed that I had it and said "
Enjoy the fire works!"
( meaning the bright light flashing before your vision)

Seriously,: I am looking to get a good referal from a doctor to recomend me to a headache specialist.

I will tell you. I make up my own theories, and then I ask the doctor for the tests. because they need this little push some times.
I still have no answers to electrofyiong vibration down my spine, and bulging spasmic temporal pain.
My neurovascular doctor called me yesterday, he will arange for a temporal artery biopsy. This way, I can hopefully rule out temporal arteritis.
I still do not know where to find the headache doctor, and I still do not know why I had this pain.

Thank you so much for reading,
best wishes
Synnove

I got several "good" referrals from doctors that turned out to be wombats, so BT-DT; I can empathize. It was only by accident that my orthopedist asked me offhandedly if I had seen "the headache guy", and things began to change.

Here's one possible site:
Florida - Migraine and Headache Specialists

Other leads here.

An initial visit is pretty standard now, and not always a bad idea. It can give patients the oportunity to size up the doctor too, before too much time is invested with one who just isn't a good match.

There are also some decent articles by goggling: what to expect first visit [specialty]

Doc

Dr. Smith
Yes, I agree regarding the initial visit to a doctor. I think I have to modify the way I conduct myself in regard to what will be discussed during that visit.
A patient should actually be able to have a free consultation with a doctor
in order to decide if this doctor's servises will be the right one.
Other professionals offers this.
Yes, I will be checking the list, I actualyy looked yesterday, and I noticed one of the neurologist on this list was a neurologist I saw at the Cleveland Clinic some 2 years ago, recently after all my neuro problem started.
But at this time, there were so many different issues, that headache were not adressed. And I did not know this doctor had as subspecialty Migrane.

I have a question now that I am looking back at the origional MRI of brain:
One or two findings were never discussed 10 finding "left posterior frontal lobe congenital venous angioma" and 2 " bilateral vertebral arteries impingement on the Medulla"

I wonder if theese can have anything to do with the headache.

All best wishes
Synnove

Some are beginning to.
doctor get acquainted visit
I've seen them more with PCPs/GPs/Family Doctors and OB/GYNs than specialists, but it can't hurt to call and ask.

The kind of specialist I'm thinking of doesn't treat anything BUT headaches/migraines—their practice is limited to just that. Granted, they—or entire clinics/practices that treat only headaches—are likely to be found in metropolitan areas, and usually—but not always—associated with hospitals.

Doc

Thanks.
Yes these are some good ideas. I will be keeping this in mind, and be a little more asertive. You know, when we realy think of it, it is our health and our lives, and only the very best is good enough.
All the best

Also when you think about it, half of all doctors are below average. ;)
The guy/gal who graduated at the bottom of their med school class is still called, "Doctor". :eek:

Doc

migraine symptoms
 

Dr Smith I read a post on here about a med that is good for migraines that involve vertigo. The person who posted did not know the name. I probably should go on something as migraines are getting more prevalent. Are there a lot of side effects with most preventative. I have avoided them for this reason and dealt with these several times a yr.

My first event I ended up in the ER I was told it was labyrinthitis. I was in my 50's. I suffered and still do from balance problems. I still get vertigo attacks but not always with headache. I get aura as well lasting up to about 15min. I don't get the bad pain with this but the next day if I bend over or cough I feel the pain -mostly one sided. I was told all this was migraine when I went to balance therapy. I think this throws my balance off then I stay dizzy for a long time thereafter. I wake up often with dizziness...or aura.

DO ANY OF YOU GET THIS FEELING WHEN WATCHING TV OR ON THE INTERNET THAT YOUR HEAD or EEYES DROP/MOVE OR SHIFTS ? IT IS HARD TO DESCRIBE AFFECTS THE VISION SORT OF A DIZZY FEELING BUT NOT EXACTLY