Hello my name is Richard too young to have these problems and live in north carolina. i joined because i oohave read posts and replies and thought someone somewhere going through similar problem. Well it started in middle school with severe migraines last up to week at a time. This was a ongoinging issue up to last year middle school. I was very atheltic growing up before all this and didn't think something like this could happen to me. But Since then i was hit from behind at a dead stop at 55 at a stoplight. I know for sure accident tore two dicsc but why migraines? And every since then somedays it feels like hell. I have every test done that i know of and cant find the reason for migraines. Any suggesstions?

I am glad you have the opportunity to obtain a second opinion at Chapel Hill!
Wouldn't it be wonderful if they could find something truly helpful?

I imagine they will be loking for "structural" abnormalities?
Will they be looking at any "functional" abnormalities?

Do you have any "autoimmune" types of illnesses?
Do autoimmune illneses run in your family at all?
The reason I am asking this is because some auto-antibodies have been found to be causing some chronic migraines. (These are found it specific blood tests.) Do you know if you have ever been tested for these antibodies before?

These are often referred to as antiphospholipid antibodies. They are now known to be much more prevalent that previously thought.

Further information about these specific antibodies and testing guidelines are available at: www.apsfa.org.
(Both Tina and Heidi are the founders of apsfa.org and own the site. They also do a great job in operating the association. They have done an amazing job! They are open to helping with any questions. There is a mountain of highly organized information there! A tremendous site. Many thanks to Tina and Heidi for their dedication.)

So glad you have joined in with us here at NT! Hope to hear much more from you! Take care!

my wife uses a cocktail of 2 tylenol 1 asprin and 600mg{ 3 advil] ,,works well with me too,, caffeiene can help but it can also blow up in your face too,stay away from aspartame,,,in any form,,diet sodas ,,,ect,,,,,,,,, exercise is good to to releieve stress too,,,,,,if none of this works,,,might wanna see a neuro dr............pm me if you have any questions,,,bobber

Today, I responded to someone who had a similar question and this is some of what I told her.

I too am sorry to read that you suffer from headaches. It's a long story...but I too have suffered and have seen folks get improvement.

Two meds that often help people include Elavil and Topamax. These are medications that should be explored with your doctor, and the smaller the dosage, probably the better, since there are difficult potential side effects.

With reference to treating a migraine once it starts...Imitrex (particularly) sometimes in combination with Naproxen. Don't stay in pain...talk w/ your doctor about these meds called "abortives" for the bad pain. However, do try not to take them all the time and look at other ways to ease your pain.

This is going to sound really, really weird...but I have found getting better control of my headaches/migraines has taken a monumental effort in a variety of different ways.

I do see my regular doc and take meds, I take vitamins, I exercise, I watch what I eat, I have reduced my stress levels and I try to control my thoughts.


Honestly, I think I have a physiological tendency toward headaches...no doubt. But I also think that stress and attitude plays a role and since I have no choice in the matter, I am learning to do what I can to control the stress around me and my thoughts and attitudes to feel better.

I take a small amount of the appropriate medications as well as vitamins.

Vitamins...CoQ10, B50, Calcium and Magnesium are KNOWN to help migraine/headache patients. B50 is sort of a overall B tablet....providing a variety of B vitamins.

There is a good book...Heal Your Headache...123 Program that is good for headache patients. I do NOT believe everything he (the Dr./author) puts forth there, but it is good general advice with reference to an explanation as to what is happening, what might be done and recipes. The author does not advocate taking medicaition, but I think taking medication in small dosages, is a good way to supplement other things to providing overall pain relief.


BTW, I take my migraine medications at night. Sometimes in the morning, I drink my 1/2 & 1/2 Folgers coffee. I do NOT believe in headache patients drinking much coffee at all...but a little coffee in the morning to help w/ grogginess or when one has a bad headache (along w/ some Imitrex) is helpful. It's a tricky situation though...caffeine can cause headaches...so I think it might be best to limit caffeine intake significantly...really think about drinking coffee or eating chocolate, etc.

PLEASE consider getting light exercise regularly. Perhaps a ten minute walk each morning...progressing a little now when you are able. Also, consider massage and perhaps accupuncture.

Do explore the possibility of an autoimmune disorder...but if that ends up being the case, don't let it discourage you. Just figure out (observe your body) what needs to be done for you and do it. You might not be exactly like the next guy. So, for example, if sun bothers you, then you might not want to go to the beach. This does not mean you are never able to swim...just do it at the end of the day.

PLEASE...make sure you ENJOY life. Watch funny movies, call your friends, figure out what you like and DO IT!

I've BTDT...you can get better...please print this out and re-read it. I am thinking good thoughts for you!