Pretty certain I had my first migraine

[imclaustrophobicdarren]

Yesterday. We were travelling back home on the motorway for 4 hours. For the first hour I was whinging how I need a back massage as my neck is really tight. Then the pain in my neck was so bad I just cried (im usually nails) and my DH was just freaking out thinking I was going to die and not being remotely helpful. I felt sick and panicky too. Finally got home and went straight to bed. DH went and got tablets, I took them and the neck eased off after probably 10 mins then I just had a headache that lasted probably half an hour then all gone. Like it never happened.

Is that normal? I went on the nhs website and the only thing it mentioned about neck pain was that I should probably go see a Dr. I feel fine now so won't but should I have done?

[Slightlyjaded]

This doesn't sound particularly like a migraine to be honest. More like a rotten headache caused by a stiff neck. I'm no saying it wasn't a migraine but there is nothing to suggest that it was iyswim

[imclaustrophobicdarren]

But to be so severe? I've had headaches and this was next level. You're right though, no idea if it was or wasn't a migraine.

[loveyoutothemoon]

Doesn't sound like a migraine. But I would get that checked out.

[WhiteWineAndMagnums]

Hi, I suffer the same.

They're not classic migraines but cerviogenic headaches. It's a thing - have a google. Mine start the same - awful tightness around the neck/base of head and I know a stomping headache is round the corner. Pain is on a level as classic migraine, if not worse (I used to suffer classic migraine so have a good comparison).

Mine often come after a long bout of driving too.

[Silvercatowner]

OP if it happens again then see a doctor. Don't rely on internet 'experts' to diagnose you.

[Lougle]

I get frequent migraines. My neurologist is of the opinion that all neck pain (with headache) is migraine pain. Migraine is complex and symptoms can vary from migraine to migraine.

[GruciusMalfoy]

I get migraines, and I sometimes get neck stiffness and soreness with them. If it's new to you you may be better seeing a GP, but I'd not be surprised if it was migraine.

[wineandsunshine]

I get these types of headaches/migraine...I have been diagnosed with chronic daily migraine which normally occurs behind one eye.
However I can sometimes feel it starting exactly as you describe in my neck and paracetamol plus sleep for an hour helps.

I would just keep a track on your migraines/headaches...

[wineandsunshine]

I just wanted to add I am on preventative medication too!

[imclaustrophobicdarren]

Thanks for your replies, really interesting. I'll keep an eye and if I get another one I might just run it by the GP, feel like a bit of a fraud though considering a lot of people do have migraines. Guess it's best to be safe than sorry!

[BusterGonad]

I had what I thought was a migraine, I literally was in a dark room for a day or two as I couldn't cope with normal life! My husband was visiting the doctors (pay as you go abroad type thing) and encouraged me to go, well, I couldn't believe it when he said I had high blood pressure and that's what was causing it! I took the meds for a few months and then my blood pressure dropped and I came off of them and it's never risen again! That was a terrible terrible head/neck/eye ache type of pain.

[kaytee87]

I'm not sure.

When I have a migraine I have a headache that grows and grows (usually worse behind left eye), my face feels weak, the headache gets so bad that I can't open my eyes and then the nausea builds until I'm sick.
There is some relief from being sick but I usually have to go to bed for the rest of the day.