Migraine Tips

[UltraAlox5]

Hi All,

Ive recently started getting migraines, as in over the past year.
Im approaching 40 so thinking perimenopause, my Iron is aways low - so also wondering if this is a factor.
I am going to book a GP appointment for this afternoon but wonder if anyone has an tips for getting rid of them and also if this is considered normal?
I don’t get pain but just get zig zags - always on the same place - right hand side that start small and spread until I can’t read text and my vision is dark. This lasts approximately 30 minutes but I’m left with a spaced out tunnel type feeling for the rest of the day, sometimes the next.
I'm taking regular OTC painkillers when this happens, not sure if this helps.
basically, any tips welcome. They are terrifying and so sorry for anyone who has gotten these their entire life 😓

I should add, had one start at 9am today, have taken paracetamol and have just got to the point where I can mostly read my phone screen again - with a lot of blinking!

Freezer pack on the most painful place. Or on a pillow and lie with head pressed on it..
Chocolate.
Crackers with salted butter.
A nap in a dark room.
*migraine sufferer of 40 years...

I find a can of full fat coke helps! But yes mine start the same as yours but end in a painful headache. I find if I don’t drink enough water I’m more likely to get one. Hope you feel better soon- they are the devil!

I think mine were being triggered by dehydration so now they are far less frequent if I drink at least 1 litre of fluid every day. Unfortunately I had one yesterday and other than it being quite a stressful day I've no idea what I did wrong! I hope you feel better, like somebody else say, they are the devil!

I used to take a feverfew tablet once a day and after about 6 weeks, it built up in my system and made a huge difference to the frequency and severity of the migraines. It was actually my GP that recommended it.

I’m 60 now and past menopause and only get them infrequently, usually if I’ve accidentally eaten something containing artificial sweeteners. Or MSG. I avoid any foods that have a spicy coating as they tend to use MSG.

I was prescribed Triptan’s but it took a few to find one that didn’t leave me feeling v rough afterwards. You need to take it as soon as you feel any sign of a migraine. If you leave it too long, they’re less affective.

I was eventually referred to Neurology for debilitating migraines. We eventually settled on Topiramate. I know it is like Marmite but for me it has been brilliant. I get only a couple of mild episodes a year (complete with a zigzag aura on one side).

I built up very slowly, before discontinuing less effective medication. I have had few side effects, mainly occasional tingling in the hands, and my neurologist credits the slow build up.

I’ve suffered since 13 and I’ve had some truly awful ones over the years with a wide range of symptoms but they aren’t so bad now but I take nortriptyline for nerve pain and it’s also helped my migraine
I really feel for you and I don’t think it’s appreciated how bad they are if you’ve never had one

I find now I feel my eyes start to feel funny in one eye turn to zig zags or funny feelings progress to general zig zag feeling all over vision for about 30 minutes that then moves away to the side then goes I don’t always get the headache
I take paracetamol immediately as it comes on, cold compress on my forehead and lie in a dark room until it lifts trying to carry on just seems to prolong it for me
factors that make it more likely are lack of sleep and hormonal times through the month.
definitely speaking with the GP is worth it they can help.