I recently have developed migraines as a new symptom of my PCS, 5 months into recovery.

The first one, I went to the ER for because it was very intense, and included double vision, auras, and extreme confusion and disorientation. (Those were all new symptoms and I was concerned something serious was going on) They gave me an IV and pain meds and sent me home.

I called my neuro, who basically said "you'll have that." And left it at that. 2 weeks later, I'm having one almost every other day. (Stress seems to play a part, and I've worked really hard to avoid it. However, life happens.)

Per my lawyer's and families recommendation, I am getting a second opinion as my current neuro hasn't been very helpful. Based on everyone's experiences, the next one might not be either. However, since the lawyer suggested it, I'm giving it a shot.

The appointment is not for another 2 weeks. And my current neuro is not concerned or suggesting anything at this time. However, this is really ruining my life right now. I've tried over the counter stuff, which may lessen the pain for about an hour, but then it comes back worse than before. I still have some pain meds left from the accident, but if I take them everytime I get a migraine, I'll run out and potentially be an addict at the rate I would need them.

I also use ice packs on my neck and head which seems to reduce the pain for a little while.

Does anybody have suggestions for over the counter stuff to get me through? Or any other ideas on how to at least lessen the pain? I seriously can't take it anymore.... its ruining what little normalcy I have had to my life since the accident....

I don't personally know anything about migraines as they relate specifically to PCS. I haven't had them with my PCS, but I did have migraines for 20+ years of my life. I finally figured out they were related to allergies, intolerances, and blood sugar.

MSG was by far the main culprit. Pollen, nuts, and sugars were lesser culprits.

I found that an anti-inflammatory medication was the best. I was good with advil. I don't know if it works for a lot of people but it was the best for me.

I also did better while taking claritin for allergies and not ever eating refined sugars without protein to back it up - so I would not get a hypoglycemic event that could also trigger a migraine.

And of course, drink water. Stay hydrated.

I don't know - maybe something I said will help.

I am so sorry that you are suffering with migraines, and I am angry that your doctor will not help you!

Could you speak to your primary care physician? Possibly he/she could help you with a prescription until you get to see the neurologist.

I just can't believe that a neurologist did not offer you something to help your pain!! They have so many drugs today to try with migraine.

I do get migraines, and, unfortunately, I have a lot of trouble with side effects from the medications. They do have triptains like Imitrex that you can take at the first sign of migraines to knock it out. (Again, some people cannot take it because of the side effects, but for others, it is a godsend.)

There are 3 different classes of drugs that are usually tried to help prevent migraines. One of the drugs commonly used to prevent migraines - especially for people with PCS - is nortriptyline (also amiltriptyline). They are used in small doses, and from what I have read, many people get relief from them.

Over the counter you could try Advil or Motrin, but you do have to be careful. It can cause stomach problems.
If you can take aspirin, I know that sometimes they recommend aspirin and tylenol taken together to help migraines. Again, you do have to be careful not to overdo either medication even though they are over the counter.

There have been studies done with Vitamin B-2 and migraines. B-2 is supposed to help with migraine control, but you have to take it for awhile before you see results. You can Google "Vitamin B-2 and migraines" and read about some of the studies that have been done. (If you do try B-2, take it along with vitamin B complex.)

There have also been studies done with CoQ10 as well as Petadolex.

Another option, if you are open to it, is acupuncture. I have to tell you that I had migraines before PCS, and acupuncture helped them. After PCS my migraines have been different: much longer lasting and more often, much more disabling, and acupuncture did not really help me. However, some people have had good results with acupuncture.

I hope that this is not too "scattered". I have written this while I have a headache, but I felt that it was important to write to you. If I were you, my first option would be to call my primary care physician and explain to him/her what is going on. I would be surprised if your doctor could not help you.

Best of luck. Let us know how you are doing.

ShellyK

Freezer- I experience the same problem with allergies and migraines. I take clariten D when they are bad, and normally motrin or excedrine does the trick too. However, these seems to have a different cause and not much helps. The water thing is something I need to work on, and might really help me! Thanks for your advice.

Shelly- Great idea!! I'll have to try my PCP. I've been doing the aspirin and tylenol and it helps lessen the pain by 50% but only for about an hour, and then it surges back up and I don't want to take two doses of that mix in one day because of it's effect on the stomach and liver. Thanks for the research ideas as well. Hope your head feels better, and no worries, I know what it feels like to be scattered

Have you tried Aleve? That's the best OTC med for my headaches. That said, it doesn't actually kill them, just make them kind of tolerable for a while. I'm also using cold packs on my head and neck, but I agree -- it's VERY miserable.

My daughter developed migraines at the same point in her recovery (five months). We finally figured out hers were triggered by normal hormonal shifts, but holy cow they were debilitating. I don't know if this will help you, but a midwife we know suggested she eat some form of protein every single waking hour with 4 or more oz of water. So she would have a handful of plain nuts, or a quarter of a sandwich, etc. It really helped.

The migraines stopped once her PCS sort of calmed down. All the best.