my migraines don't get any less scary

[Cherryblossomtreesforever]

Diagnosed with hemiplegic migraines since the age of 13.

I'm 47 now, and although I don't get them as often or as severe as I did when I was younger, I still have them averaging at one every two months.
I had one today, and I can honestly say they don't get any less scary.
I have tried various medication over the years, but despite helping with the headache, nothing helps the neurolgical symptoms.

Has anyone tried the piercing for migraines? Top of the ear?
Or anything else that has helped?

They are triggered mostly by hormones. I have had some terrifying ones in the past where I have been rushed to A&E due to suspected stroke (it was migraine).

They always start with the visual stage which lasts half an hour and sometimes returns repeatedly throughout the migraine. I lose up to 80% of my vision - just a blank blind patch with a flickering/ shimmering border (I look at people and they appear to have only half a face).
Then the one sided numbness/ weakness which is the most scary for me. It affected my right arm and my tongue today.
I get confused (forget peoples names) and despite knowing what I want to say my words come out wrong and don't make any sense.
I temporarily lose the ability to read and spell.
Then the sickness and headache is the final part of it.

I just wondered what (if anything) helped others.
I am also limited to what I can take for perimenopause due to fears of making the migraines worse/ more frequent.

Ah OP, big sympathy. I had hemiplegic migraines but luckily haven't had one for a couple of years. I agree how terrifying they can be, mine affected my right side and stopped me walking - they're so debilitating.

I took topiramate for mine which helped but had some side effects. I had my daith pierced also, on the side my attacks usually happened and I do think it made a difference. Acupuncture was good after an attack and made the symptoms shorter although didn't stop them happening.

I found gluten to be a trigger, stopping this helped however I was under a lot of stress at the time which TBH I think was the biggest cause, now that's gone they're few and far between and I'm eating normally again.

Hormones make it tricky, I was on the mini pill and still wonder if that contributed. I'm dreading menopause in case the hormones make them return, what has your doctor suggested? Are you under a neurologist?

Thank you. There are certain medications that the GP won't prescribe due to increasing the risk of stroke - I can't take the combined pill.
I was on the mini pill for a while, but that seemed to make them worse.

I'm seriously looking into the daith piercing.

They are so scary aren't they.
I have tried to explain to people who have never had them, but they can't fully grasp it unless they have experienced it for themselves.
I wouldn't wish them on anyone.