Constant migraine since week.

Resolved question:

I have a migraine going on for a week now. Ive taken pretty much every over the counter med and have tried taking hot baths and drinking plenty of fluids ans getting plently of rest but nothing is working. I went to the ER the other day but when i went home and went back to sleep i woke up and the pain was back! Idk what could possibly be wrong. All my tests came back negative. I am so desperate right now! Please help me as this is interfering with my daily activities.

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Community

Expert:  Dr. John Monheit replied 4 Days.

Hi,

Migraine headache can be persistent and chronic. There is no particular cause for migraine and is thought to occur due to both environmental and genetic reasons. There is no cure for migraine but it can be effectively managed.

It is formerly believed that migraine headache is caused by vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) that caused the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of the brain. During migraine headaches the sympathetic nervous system in the body is stimulated. The sympathetic nervous system is often thought of as the part of the nervous system that controls primitive responses to stress and pain this causes many of the symptoms associated with migraine attacks. For example, the increased sympathetic nervous activity in the intestine causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

I would recommend the following-

1) Start an abortive medication for migraine .You can start with Tab ibuprofen. It is taken twice a day and this helps in reducing the headache.

2) If Tab ibuprofen doesn’t work, you can start with trip tan group of drugs. They are very effective to abort an attack Tab. sumatriptan is taken once a day. It should be avoided in people who are pregnant and people with previous heart condition.

3) It is also recommended that you start with migraine prophylaxis after this attack is aborted. It will prevent such attacks in the future. It can be effectively prevented with Tab. Propranolol. This shouldn't be used in patients with diabetes. You can also use Tab. Amitriptyline but has a lot more side effects.

4) Avoid exposure to things that increase the symptoms. It varies from person to person. It can be excessive exposure to light, sound, dust. Migraine can be associated with a particular food like chocolate. In woman it's also associated with menstrual bleeding. It needs to be identified and all efforts must be made to not be exposed to them.

5) Eat a good balanced diet with good portion of proteins carbohydrates and vitamins. Consume diet rich in green leafy vegetables and milk.

Consult a physician for a detailed work up and discuss the drug plan.

Thank you.

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