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[Elizabethrose]

Really wish I wasn't!

It wouldn't surprise me if in years to come the scientists discover that many of theses so called brain conditions are linked Menomale. I read a study some time ago that was trying to find a link between migraine and epilepsy which is interesting because they use anti-seizure meds to treat migraine. There seems to be a real link between migraine and depression and I'm always very aware when I see my specialists and GPs that they are 'checking me out'! I'm exceptionally lucky that I've never suffered with depression or anxiety but I can certainly recognise that anyone having to manage chronic migraine may well be plunged into depression irrespective of whether there's a genetic link. I've taken part in studies over the years which were trying to prove a familial link re migraine. In my family the link is obvious. I think the scientific bodies now firmly believe that link exists.

I don't know Oliver Sachs, I'll check him out. x

[breeze]

Hi Menomale

The reason caffeine has seemed like a cure is that your body has become dependant on its next fix.  When it gets it the symptoms go.  Try giving it up slowly and switching to decaf.  You will feel so much better.

[dangermouse]

Thanks so much for that ElizabethRose.

I don't think I have any specific food triggers as I could only drink milk for several weeks when couldn't get food down and the symptoms were as bad as ever (and never drank it before as dont really like it).

I have found that Red Bull instantly reduces my symptoms (but it's not caffeine addiction as not having a whiff of caffeine for 4 months made no difference - and it only has a strong cup of coffees worth) and never have more than one a day. I think the taurine in it may help migraines too and the endocrinologist said the combo of sugar and caffeine can be a remedy so interesting to read there about the fizzy glucose drinks.

[dangermouse]

Sorry posted on wrong thread which linked to this one! Will pop it there too.

[Elizabethrose]

I answered you on the other thread danger mouse but I'll copy my response here too.

You're welcome dangermouse, I hope it was of some use. I think if we know the reason why things are happening, those things are easier to handle.

I've had the conversations re caffeine with some top dog mig specialists. It helps some people whilst it's a trigger for others. Some migraineurs find that if they drink a coffee even after the migraine starts it helps reduce the intensity: it would seem it unites with the pain meds in some way. I've never found that food has been a trigger but I don't drink any alcohol and wouldn't drink high caffeine drinks. I feel so sick when in migraine that I couldn't stomach coffee but sometimes drink one or two a day, usually decaf.

The glucose can be absorbed in the stomach and takes the meds with it apparently. The stomach is in stasis in migraine and stops transit which prevents meds being absorbed. It may be worth trying when you're struck down with an attack of gastric migraine, especially if you can take aspirin which seems to work well on migraine. Worth a try, it may abort an attack earlier. Boy oh boy, it's finding a way to manage all this stuff!

Do read that link to The International Classification of Headache Disorders on the Migraine Trust link I posted. It covers all types of migraine, and there are many, and also all types of headache. I seem to remember gastric migraines are discussed, you may get some hot tips!

Good luck dangermouse, it's amazing you even got a diagnosis for this, they are so tricky to diagnose. x

[Dennylou48]

I use 4head and paracetamol. It's brilliant stuff that 4head. Rub it on the back of your neck. Temples and forehead. Back in June I was being treated for a mini stroke  until I had a mri and it wasn't a stroke it was silent migraines. I used to get them on a Dailey basis but since using 4head they are almost non existent. I put it on first thing in the morning and then use it right through the day. Good luck xx

[dahliagirl]

I get silent migraines once every 3-4 years.  I have no idea why.  I started with the usual Aura:headache:feel washed out:throw up routine in my teens. Then in my 20s, I just got the aura and the headache didn't happen and that has been what happened ever since.

It would appear to have no connection with anything at all, but it happens so infrequently it is hard to know what the trigger would be.  My husband has them too, and his reduced a lot when he stopped drinking coffee.  I tried that for a while, then had a migraine.

It hasn't got any worse with coming off the pill, perimenopause, or hrt.  Once I had one after another, but it went back to the normal pattern of every 3-4 years.

You would have thought it was hormonal since it started when I was about 13, but it appears not.  I did have one a few days after my twins were born, but that could have been random.

[Elizabethrose]

dahliagirl, for something that it supposed to be quite rare it's amazing how many people I've come across with silent migraine. I honestly think there are a great many people out there who don't get the visual aura and therefore just don't know what is happening to them. I'm really glad you only get them rarely: it could be that the hormonal upheaval at puberty and after your twins were born, combined with other triggers and then just 'pushed you over the edge'. It's darn tricky identifying these triggers sometimes and even more difficult avoiding some of them! x

[dangermouse]

Thanks so much! It's actually about my 32nd diagnosis in a year but was from a private endocrinologist hormone specialist I paid to see but it does seem like it's the right one finally.

I think general docs put too much down to anxiety which is a bit of a cop out and  just confuses the patient. I wouldn't mind if they said they didn't know but it might be that but I was told it was a fact when I knew I was being more rational than they were! Then once it's on your record... 

I can't take aspirin as it burns my stomach (even tried it with Omeprazole once but it still made it sore) but will look up those tips thanks!

[dahliagirl]

I used to think bright lights triggered it - but I think the bright lights are only a problem because the migraine is on the way, if you see what I mean.

I do avoid anything that gives that sort of feeling - so use sunglasses (sunlight does seem more irritating to my eyes as I have got older), drink one coffee as a treat, do yoga exercises to relieve stress, and drink plenty.

I do feel for anyone who has proper bad ones.  My experience as a teen was enough.  I used to hate being sick - I used to wake the next morning and not be able to get out of bed quickly enough.  My mother claimed that I had been sick in the night once without noticing    but I blame the cat.

[Elizabethrose]

You raise a valid point there dahliagirl, people often mistake the thing that the migraine makes you crave in prodrome, carbs, chocolate, for the trigger. Flashing lights will do it for me every time, the new fangled car led lights at night are a killer as is driving through a cityscape with low winter sun flashing between buildings.

I do not miss the vomiting that stopped for me years ago. I used to do the school run with a bucket strapped into the passenger seat beside me. Enough said!! x