Has anyone ever been to a neurologist?

[pink]

I feel like dollparts asking this question but...


I've got issues with migraines and I was curious what your situations and treatments???

 

[evesdream]

I get them when my posture is bad (like if I'm craning my neck back when on the computer for a long time).
Do you grind your teeth when you sleep or clench your jaw a lot? That causes them too.

 

[pink]

I get them when my posture is bad (like if I'm craning my neck back when on the computer for a long time).
Do you grind your teeth when you sleep or clench your jaw a lot? That causes them too.

I was having issues with my teeth, actually and the girl who cleaned my teeth suggested the very same thing. I have since become very aware of my tendencies to clinch my teeth constantly. I am trying to quit.


Not sure if this is what is causing the migraines or not but it looks like I am going to be sent to a neurologist. I am taking Imitrex plus other pain meds on a daily basis to control the migraines.

 

[LettersFromTatyana]

Do you grind your teeth when you sleep or clench your jaw a lot? That causes them too.

This. Does it feel like your jaw catches on something when you open and close your mouth? Mine did, and at the time, I had one or two awful headaches per week.

My orthodontist ground my teeth down by millimeters (if that) to make my teeth line up correctly, and I've been virtually migraine-free ever since. It took hours and cost hundreds of dollars, but was so worth it.

ETA: Eh, sorry, I just saw that you replied before I answered. Best of luck!

 

[Minalick]

I was having issues with my teeth, actually and the girl who cleaned my teeth suggested the very same thing. I have since become very aware of my tendencies to clinch my teeth constantly. I am trying to quit.


Not sure if this is what is causing the migraines or not but it looks like I am going to be sent to a neurologist. I am taking Imitrex plus other pain meds on a daily basis to control the migraines.

I've been to a neurologist for migraines and family history stuff.

Nothing wrong with seeing a neurologist.
It's easier to treat something if you first know what it is, right?

Also... I used to work with Dentists, migraines are very common in teeth grinders and clenchers. Did they not suggest a night guard? It's a really good idea. Just make sure you get the custom made one. It's more expensive, but will help you a lot more in the long run.

 

[jeninflorida]

I feel like dollparts asking this question but...


I've got issues with migraines and I was curious what your situations and treatments???

Did they send you in for a head MRI yet?

after that they most likely will send you in for a sleep study to see if you suffer from sleep apnea as this is all the rage in the medical world. However, I do know a couple people who stop breathing when they sleep.

most treatments can be as simple as reduce your stress...change the diet. stop drinking red wine (or just stop drinking period).

for others its drugs like Sumatriptan or Frova

 

[pink]

This. Does it feel like your jaw catches on something when you open and close your mouth? Mine did, and at the time, I had one or two awful headaches per week.

My orthodontist ground my teeth down by millimeters (if that) to make my teeth line up correctly, and I've been virtually migraine-free ever since. It took hours and cost hundreds of dollars, but was so worth it.

ETA: Eh, sorry, I just saw that you replied before I answered. Best of luck!

Thank you, I appreciate the post.

 

[bronzeage]

I feel like dollparts asking this question but...


I've got issues with migraines and I was curious what your situations and treatments???

In 1993, I woke up one day and there was a blind spot in half my right eye. I went to my doctor's office, where they discovered my blood pressure was 260/180. This created a lot of excitement, which involved a bed in ICU, an MRI and lots of nitroglycerin. I kept a GP, a cardiologist and a neurologist hard at work for a week. In the end, they decided it was an eye problem which had nothing to do with the blood pressure and my brain was fine.

Six weeks later I had a follow up visit with the neurologist. The eye problem had not change a bit since the first time I noticed it. It is due to damage to about half the optic nerve bundle in my eye. He said it would probably not change, since it appeared to be stable. He was right about that. Twenty years later, it has not changed at all. He had no explanation for the cause.

 

[evesdream]

I was having issues with my teeth, actually and the girl who cleaned my teeth suggested the very same thing. I have since become very aware of my tendencies to clinch my teeth constantly. I am trying to quit.


Not sure if this is what is causing the migraines or not but it looks like I am going to be sent to a neurologist. I am taking Imitrex plus other pain meds on a daily basis to control the migraines.

Mine stopped when I became aware of that sleep habit. A night guard helps with grinding, but clenching is different I think.

 

[pink]

I've been to a neurologist for migraines and family history stuff.

Nothing wrong with seeing a neurologist.
It's easier to treat something if you first know what it is, right?

Also... I used to work with Dentists, migraines are very common in teeth grinders and clenchers. Did they not suggest a night guard? It's a really good idea. Just make sure you get the custom made one. It's more expensive, but will help you a lot more in the long run.

I see my regular Dr on Thurs. I'm guessing she will suggest seeing the neurologist then. We have upped my Imitrex as far as we can and I'm still having pain. I will know more on Thursday.

 

[pink]

Did they send you in for a head MRI yet?

after that they most likely will send you in for a sleep study to see if you suffer from sleep apnea as this is all the rage in the medical world. However, I do know a couple people who stop breathing when they sleep.

most treatments can be as simple as reduce your stress...change the diet. stop drinking red wine (or just stop drinking period).

for others its drugs like Sumatriptan or Frova

Not yet. The Sumatriptan has helped but not totally taken away the migraines. Right now, I am maxed out on that particular med. I cannot go up on the mg any higher.

I am already using a cpap machine. It is a blessing from God.


I will let you know how my Dr's appt goes on Thursday.

 

[jeninflorida]

Not yet. The Sumatriptan has helped but not totally taken away the migraines. Right now, I am maxed out on that particular med. I cannot go up on the mg any higher.

I am already using a cpap machine. It is a blessing from God.


I will let you know how my Dr's appt goes on Thursday.

Ask the Dr about Frova as that one really helps out when my stress level is through the roof (Dec to April 15th I live on it)

 

[slave_]

One's diet. Sugar intake, even artificial sweeteners. Foods, that well, inhibit bowel movement, or impede it.

If someone eats fried food or not enough fiber, apples, veggies, etc., that can 'clog' the system and can cause migraines with some people.

If you have insurance, and MRI wouldn't hurt.

Along with the input from others, there are many reasons why someone can have migraines... as you know. Folic acid, B12, vitamin D, copper or iron deficiencies can do that for some. If you had blood work and they were normal then that can be ruled out.

Notice if there is a pattern when you get them and severity. Diet, sleep, posture (days when you are sitting or standing more than usual) and more annoying is that it can be a combination of things.

There has to be some common denominator. It is upsetting and it is like finding a needle in the haystack, but something at some point should stand out as more of a cause and effect than the others.

I feel for you!

 

[Wings]

slave is right. A neurologist can help pinpoint those things, that's part of the expirience. Nothing to fear from a specialist, you will just be getting more help in one area.

I see a neurologist and a oncologist hemotoligist. Talk about special. I am grateful for all of that specialization because they keep me healthy. It's worth it.

 

[pink]

slave is right. A neurologist can help pinpoint those things, that's part of the expirience. Nothing to fear from a specialist, you will just be getting more help in one area.

I see a neurologist and a oncologist hemotoligist. Talk about special. I am grateful for all of that specialization because they keep me healthy. It's worth it.

I will keep everyone updated on my progress. We will see what happens next.

 

[Sharon_]

I feel like dollparts asking this question but...


I've got issues with migraines and I was curious what your situations and treatments???

One neurologist, one neurosurgeon...they couldn't fix anything, but they didn't hurt anything and were somewhat helpful.

Good luck, migraines are a bite.

 

[jeninflorida]

I will keep everyone updated on my progress. We will see what happens next.

Everyone tells me to stay away from chocolate...not sure what if anything is in chocolate that triggers a migraine

 

[warrior queen]

Everyone tells me to stay away from chocolate...not sure what if anything is in chocolate that triggers a migraine

Caffiene can trigger migraines.
Though in my case, the trigger is my hormone fluctuations in my monthly cycle.
I am on the pill, even though I've had my tubes tied, to control how many cycles I have in a year (I only have 4).
I've done everything else - MRI, sleep study, dietary changes, etc.
The only thing that might stop mine is menopause, so I am actually looking forward to that!

 

[warrior queen]

I should add here..... I have been juicing for a few months to see if that works, and I can say that the frequency and severity has definitely lessened since I began doing that.

 

[LongDrySpell]

I have had migraines for many years. At one time I was sent to a neurologist and it was extremely helpful. The first thing he had me do was keep a "headache journal" for a month - I had to write down everything I ate and drank, and what time, and each time I got a headache I had to describe what the pain felt like, what time it started, what I took to relieve it, and when it went away. Then I had another meeting with him, and we reviewed it all. The most surprising thing for me was that what I thought were daily tension headaches were actually migraines (I didn't have any of the "classic" signs like one-sided-ness, aura, vomiting, etc.). I also learned what my triggers are so I can avoid them. We tried several different drugs, and the triptans (Imitrex, MaxAlt, etc.) don't work for me. Neither does Topamax, which is the most commonly prescribed preventive drug. Your average GP or internist is going to try these and then run out of options. Neurologists know all the the different drugs that can help. I only had to see the guy a handful of times, and he set me up with a whole arsenal of techniques to prevent and treat them (not all of them drugs). That was 13 years ago, and I haven't needed to go back. Also, I went from 20+ migraines a month to one or two (I'm guaranteed one on the first day of my cycle, but I can usually get it to go away within a couple of hours - the others are always related to my "triggers").

Incidentally, chocolate is a common trigger - I forget which chemical in it is the cause. Other really common triggers are nitrates/nitrites (found in cured meats like sausages), sulfates/sulfites (found in wine and anything that contains yellow dye), aged cheeses, caffeine, and tannins (red wine, dark beer, and black tea).

Good luck, and I hope you are able to get some relief - I know just how debilitating they are.

 

[BgMma]

QUOTE=pink;41580585]I feel like dollparts asking this question but...


I've got issues with migraines and I was curious what your situations and treatments???[/QUOTE]

Honestly, when I did it...grass worked, but, I used to take prescription meds and now cannot afford them so...I take 6 Tylenol at a time and sit in as much darkness I can and with as little noise as I can.

If it's too bad I ask my mother to watch the kids and I try to sleep through it. That's all I have, but it's something.

 

[KRCummings]

Years ago. MRI's were a brand new thing then so I'm not sure my experience would help.
I did get to see a scan of my brain. Larger than most, prettier of course. I dare say a perfect specimen.

 

[johnnieblue44]

No....

I feel like dollparts asking this question but...


I've got issues with migraines and I was curious what your situations and treatments???

..but I've been to a urologist. It's kinda the same thing, except standing on your head.

And, this is very important, never, ever, accept a drink from a urologist.

 

[pink]

Years ago. MRI's were a brand new thing then so I'm not sure my experience would help.
I did get to see a scan of my brain. Larger than most, prettier of course. I dare say a perfect specimen.

Oh good lord.

 

[jeninflorida]

big thing for me, not sure if others will agree or not, but is to monitor my stress level. try your best not to become upset or stressed out.

this has helped me out a lot! went from having 1-2 migraines a week to maybe 1-2 a month.

along with the drugs, we got HBO. will be tuning off regular tv and no longer watch the news. with today's technology I can find the news that important with out the negative or political bullshit.

hope this helps