AIBU to ask if there is anything to stop constant migraines?

[Mumbythesea1]

I need help.
I have posted before but I’m getting desperate. I have more days with migraine than without them. I have previously tried propranolol and amitriptaline as preventatives but neither worked. I previously had sumatriptan but now have zolmitriptan. Nothings working and I’m at the end of being able to cope. I saw a GP again this week who put me on the mini pill as at least some of these start with hormone fluctuations but obviously that won’t work for a while. I’m going to try and speak to a doctor tomorrow.
Is there a medication that can stop this cycle of non stop migraines? I’m absolutely desperate and miserable.

There are lots of options of preventatives and meds for attacks like triptans. If you try three preventatives and they don’t work you can be referred to a neurologist who would be able to prescribe other medications like the new CGRP meds which are quite effective. I take one and also have Botox which has been amazingly effective. The best preventative I had was candesarten but I had to stop because of my low blood pressure.

I think you are at the start of exploring different options.

Pizofreten has changed my life. It's preventative so you have to take it every day. Another option could be beta blockers, they worked for my mum (but not for me) ...

Ask for a referral to a neurologist. In my area it took me approx 18 months to get an appointment so I would ask to be referred asap.

Do you work with the light shining across your eyes? (a window to the side of you) I used to suffer terrible headaches and it was this.

Acupuncture reduced the frequency of my migraines massively.

So did identifying triggers, one of which turned out to be fluorescent lighting. I was allocated my own office and an anglepoise lamp, and it made a huge difference.

https://migrainetrust.org/live-with-migraine/healthcare/treatments/preventive-medicines/
Theres quite a few preventive meds to try.

Also make sure they are upping dosage of preventive. My Dr are awful for starting me on a preventive like propranolol but not actually increasing dosage over a period time so its effective. After doing lots reading the mg I was taking of propranolol 40mg was way too low to be medically effective when I needed an increase to the 80mg plus range

https://bash.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/brizy/custom_files/BASHProp.pdf

Keep diary for a month as see if theres any obvious triggers. Dairy flares mine.

I’ve tried several triptans but zolmitriptan spray seems to be the best. it’s not even touching this one.
I have tried incremental upping of the dose of both propranolol and amitriptaline. Neither worked.
Im already under a neurologist. But not due for another appointment for ages so going to have to go to the GP in the meantime who usually just fob me off

Oh goodness I’ve literally just posted about my migraines!

they’re awful. I’m a week past the worst one I’ve ever had and I’m still not right. Arm and leg still feel heavy and still a bit sluggish.

ive heard acupuncture and massage are good.

im so sorry though - it’s so debilitating

I find tying a pair of tights around my head and lying on the knot brings a little relief.

Have you tried going on a keto (low-carb) diet? The diet was originally designed to help prevent epilepsy but there is lots of anecdotal evidence (and some actual evidence but more research needed) of it helping with migraines as well. It certainly helped me! Might be worth trying?

www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/ketogenic-diet-chronic-migraine

Some cgrp tablets (a preventative) can be prescribed by GPs in some areas. Ask your GP about them.

Some migraines are caused by food allergies - could be worth keeping a food diary and seeing if there’s a pattern.

I had terrible migraines from about 25 to 30, i was on triptans, mini pill and all that. The triptans worked ok as long as I took them early enough. If I didn’t take them early enough then the vomiting would kick in and it was game over as I couldn’t keep anything down. Cleaning up my diet was the ultimate cure for me. I don’t have alcohol or sugar any more. Don’t miss alcohol, miss sugar a bit, but not having migraines is worth it.

I would try candesartan and acupuncture and also riboflavin supplements. Eliminate all caffeine and alcohol if you have any. Drink plenty of water every day. Daily fresh air and exercise, etc etc Apols if you’ve done all this already
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg150/ifp/chapter/treatments-for-migraine

Atogepant!!!!

Have you tried cutting tyramine out of your diet? I had no idea that my lifetime of migraine was mainly triggered by tyramine, eating tofu and having one I thought would kill me was my lightbulb moment.
I'm used to it now but it can take some adapting.
Do you keep a food diary?

I’ve been suffering with chronic vestibular migraine thanks to perimenopause. I tried amitriptyline, sumatriptan, topiramate, mini pill and couldn’t take propranolol due to asthma. Nothing helped. Thankfully last month I saw a different GP who said as I’d failed with at least three different meds I could be prescribed a crgp specific medication, called atogepant. It is very expensive so they don’t prescribe it unless you qualify. I looked it up, it costs the nhs £175. I get it through a normal £9.90 prescription charge. It’s been a game changer. This is the first tablet in three years that’s actually stopped nearly all of my symptoms. I haven’t had to go to a neurologist, my GP prescribed it. Definitely go back and ask for it to try.

Botox was instant relief for me. I had it 3 times at 3 monthly intervals and have not needed to repeat this for 7 years now.
This is what I also stick to now:
No upf’s
No alcohol (booo!)
Heavily reduced sugar

I always thought my migraines were hormone related but I went through IVF then a pregnancy 3 years ago and didn’t get a single one.
I haven’t used any kind of birth control for 15 years, not on any HRT or anything now.

I hope you get this under control soon, I know how debilitating life is with constant migraines.

Have you looked at the treatments at Kings College in London. My adult child is fortunate to be under their care for the last 10 years. If you google them you will see they have done some ground breaking treatments that are now licensed by NICE. Unfortunately they do not always totally remove migraines, particularly for the those who also have CDH but have certainly helped. Good luck.

Mine stopped after my breast reduction surgery. Not why I got the surgery but it was an unexpected bonus!

Have a read of the options:

https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/migraine/management/adults/#preventive-treatment

I just googled this drug as I too am desperate as have tried everything else. Sounds like it's only available in England. Im in Wales. Wonder if i can get it private.
Sorry OP, didnt mean to hijack.
But I really think we migraine sufferers are not taken seriously by doctors.

Try Candesartan. It’s massively helped me.

Topiramate helped me

Daith piercings can really help apparently, depending on the cause of the migraine.