My New Happy: Migraines - Take Two

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Migraines - Take Two

The not so great weekend has now transitioned into a migraine.  The post I was working on for today isn't going to happen, so instead I'm re-running something from last year about new treatments for migraine headaches. Wish I had some botox right now...



I have suffered from migraines since I was a teenager.  They run in my family -  last year my sister had a six week migraine that finally ended when she was admitted to the hospital and given IV medication.  These headaches can be caused by lack of sleep, stress, flashing lights, or certain foods. Mine seem to be related to my period, and have gotten worse since I've entered perimenopause. Dr. G told me that the fluctuation of estrogen is to blame.  The good news is that many women get better or actually stop having migraines once they enter menopause - a light at the end of the tunnel!

My estrogen is fluctuating and apparently that's not going to change for a while.  What can I do about the migraines?  If I catch mine when it is just beginning, a combination of advil, tylenol and caffeine will often take the edge off, but the headache doesn't completely go away.  I have tried various prescription medications and none of them really work, plus they leave me with awful side effects.

However, there is good news to report!  Two treatments have been approved by the FDA and are expected to be great alternatives for those with chronic migraines, defined as those who have headaches 14 or more days per month.  

BOTOX.  This has already been in use for chronic migraine sufferers. Injections are given around the head and neck area every 12 weeks to help prevent migraines from starting. My friend has had this done and says it works well for her - she is only getting one or two headaches a month and feels like she can function normally for the first time in years. Plus, her forehead has never looked so smooth!



Injection Points

THE CEFALY DEVICE.  This is so brand new, it's not even available in the United States yet, but patients will be able it get it by prescription soon.  The Cefaly device is a "crown" that is worn on the forehead once a day for 20 minutes.  It works by stimulating a nerve that results in less migraines.  Users in Canada have reported great success with Cefaly. I like the idea of this treatment - I think all women should get to wear a crown every day!

She looks very Zen, doesn't she?

Hopefuly one of these new treatments will help if you suffer from menopausal migraines. There is enough to worry about during this time of life - headaches shouldn't be one of them.

Linking up with Elegance And Mommyhood

34 comments:

  1. I hadn't heard of that new crown. I also get migraines, have my whole life. Usually I have to head straight to bed for the day, as they blind me.

    Hope you are feeling better soon!

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Thanks Suzanne. I felt horrible for two days but I'm finally better!

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  2. So sorry you're in pain! I get headaches related to my period too, but they're not migraines. That is a whole other level. I hope you can find some relief soon!

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  3. Thanks for sharing this. I get migraines all the time so I feel your pain, literally.

    P.S. Is the red carpet link up on Friday the 20th?

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    1. I'm sorry you get migraines too. Yes, this Friday.

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  4. Oh and Lana, by the way I am co-hosting a link up today. I would love to have you join me. Thanks so much. =)

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  5. I used to have migraine when I was teaching in school, but lately they gone... I'm not sure what is a difference and why they gone... maybe age :) maybe less stress - but I'm happy to be migraine free! I wish everyone happy and healthy week!

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    1. Thank you. My mother finally "outgrew" her migraines, so I'm hoping!

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  6. I'm so sorry Lana. I hope this migraine goes away quickly!! Great post though!

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  7. So sad to hear about your pain, Lana! I do hope you find relief soon!

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  8. Hate that you are not feeling well! Sending you prayers!

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  9. My mom had them really badly. I'm so sorry that you have one now, best wishes for a speedy and pain free recovery!-+

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  10. Lana, I just researched this crown... I suffer from migraines, usually 15 to 20 per month... this is not in my budget... it was $295.00 ... and the person who tried it didn't think it was all that great... that's too bad.. I am willing to try almost anything... I do hope you are feeling better xox

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    1. I'm so sorry that you suffer from migraines too. I've heard mixed reviews on the crown - hopefully insurance will cover it one of these days.

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  11. Hope you're feeling better soon and that the weekend's awfulness is not ongoing. Hormones and stress have a lot to answer for!

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  12. Hope you are feeling back to your normal, wonderful YOU. Healing hugs to you, my friend.

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  13. I really hope you feel better! I get migraines but only once in a great while. Weirdly I have felt one coming on all morning but we had a stressful weekend as well not bad stressful just busy stressful. I woke up this morning with that, my hands swollen like balloons and just feeling like I want to go back to bed although that isn't possible haha! Hubby has been off all week due to ice and thankfully just walked out the door to work. Hallelujah he's been home for 5 days no wonder I have a headache haha! I am really worried about you and am sending you healing and stress free thoughts!

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    1. Thanks Rena! I appreciated your healing thoughts!

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  14. Hoping you feel better quickly. I found that diffusing peppermint essential oil has helped as I was in my dark room. I suffered the hormonal triggered migranes but occassionally it still rears its ugly head.

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  15. How nice about the crown!
    And wow.. six weeks. That is so awful.
    I've only had one migraine in my life and I have no idea what caused it. I was only 12 and it went away with a nap, but it was so weird.

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  16. Migraines are the worst - have you tried yoga? Not necessarily during (i've had a couple, and know you just want to crawl away from the merest chink of light), but as a pre-emptive... just a thought! Thanks for linking to #AllAboutYou

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    1. I haven't tried yoga, but it sounds like a good suggestion!

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