Anyone get Migraine's? What works for you either meds or holistic?

[lurky]

My husband has had migraines forever. About a yr ago there was a migraine thread here on BYC and i read ALL the posts. It seemed that the med i heard the most people speak of as being helpful was Maxalt. I called and got him a sample and it really helped him. Its very strong, and makes you sleepy, but it really takes away the pain.

 

[HennysMom]

I've had migraines since I was a child - so basically all my life

I am on Topamax for daily prevention, but I've also suffered for the past 4 years from chronic daily headaches (what would be considered most peoples "nasty headaches" that they reach for tylenol for). Its due to Fibromyalgia and a spinal tap gone wrong 4 years ago, so, no fun there. When my migraines trigger (about once a week) I take Migranal (nasal spray) as nothing else works for me (reactions to all other migraine meds).

Some of the tricks my neurologist has taught me over the years that DO work that are non-medication related you can do at the first sign of a migraine coming on:

Drink Gatorade! COLD - 8 ounces every 10 minutes for about 30 minutes.

I keep Gatorade in my car at all times, even if its not cold just for this reason. The electrolytes and potassium/magnesium mixtures in it will help the blood vessels and your blood pass easier. This never fails for me - I may still get a migraine if I dont catch it in time, but..it is WAY LESS severe than it would be w/out doing Gatorade. Most times (like today.. I feel one coming on) if I drink it now.. I'll ward off a migraine all together.

Drink strong brewed coffee - make it twice the strength you would normally and drink it immediately. This is the same principal behind Fiorinol (migraine med) and most other migraine meds that arent triptipans. Caffiene thins the blood making it easier to pass through constricted vessels.

Pinch your hand! Yep - get a clothes pin and the area between your thumb and pointer finger (make an L shape with those 2 fingers - the L part is where you want to pinch) - place clothes pin there for a minute or two. Release and repeat - I dont know why it works..but it does. Something with accupuncture pressure and nerve point for headaches in that region of your body. I also keep a clothes pin in my purse always as I cannot pinch myself hard enough with constant pressure.

Pressure points at the base of your head. Reach around and feel the 2 bony areas at the base of your skull and then come down right below them. PRESS BOTH SIDES EQUALLY for about 15 - 20 second intervals, then release. Do this to stop the blood flow and slow it down until you begin to feel better.

Stay away from aged cheeses and red wines along with artificial sweetners. Those are massive triggers. If you dont know what triggers you - pay attention to what you eat and what smells are around you. Strong perfumes, paints and solvents trigger mine in a heartbeat.. its horrible.

Good luck and feel better soon.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Meds - inhaled Imitrex or generic Zomig.
Removes the source of the pain, doesn't just mask the pain.

Good luck with the migraines. BYC has been a great help to many people with migraine problems. And many others. We are all here to help.