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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Migraines

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Posted on Mon, 1 Jun 2015
Question: I have tried acupuncture, botox, topamax, cymbalta, toprol, yoga, chiropractic, gluten free and/or sugar free diets and cannot find a solution to my chronic migraine. What do you hear of anything new out there? What do you think of the ketogenic diet? I use sumatriptan when I have a migraine and it works well but don't want to take it too often.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
please see description

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank You for contacting HCM. My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There are two kinds of treatment for it; immediate & preventive. I usually start my patients with sumatriptan at an initial dose of 25 mg for pain relief. As you are already taking it so its good think. In addition, preventive medication can also be started to reduce the frequency(if headache occurs often). Options include propanolol & amitriptyline.

General Measures:
You can reduce the episodes not only by medicines BUT also by taking general care:

1. Diet:
Following food aggravates symptoms:
> Alcohol
> Caffeine overuse
> Chocolates
> Citrus Food & banana
> Dairy cheese
> Vinegar

2. Stress:
Stress is a potent stimulator of headache. If you have past history of stress related issues then you need to visit hospital to get medication for it as they are prescription only.

3. Exercise:
Try to have a walk in the evening for 30-45 mins. Change in environment will help to reduce stress & improve health.

4. Sleep:
Adequate sleep is very important. Sleep deprivation is a potent stimulator of headache. You need to manage adequate sleep of at least 5-7 hrs/day.

5. Light:
Flashing lights like in clubs also stimulates the headache so you need to avoid them.

6. Keep a Headache Diary:
It can help you keeping the record of triggers. Write down everything you eat and drink, your exercise routine and schedule, the weather, strong feelings and emotions you may be having, your medications and their effects, and times and severity of your headaches. This can help you see a pattern in your migraine occurrences, and will make avoiding one easier.

7. Hormonal Changes:
Particularly important for females as it may aggravate the headache, specially oral contraceptive pills.

8. Weather may also effect:
Humidity and hot temperatures can stimulate headaches, as can rainy days, so it’s important to be aware of your environment.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1312 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Migraines

Brief Answer: please see description Detailed Answer: Hello Thank You for contacting HCM. My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem. I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There are two kinds of treatment for it; immediate & preventive. I usually start my patients with sumatriptan at an initial dose of 25 mg for pain relief. As you are already taking it so its good think. In addition, preventive medication can also be started to reduce the frequency(if headache occurs often). Options include propanolol & amitriptyline. General Measures: You can reduce the episodes not only by medicines BUT also by taking general care: 1. Diet: Following food aggravates symptoms: > Alcohol > Caffeine overuse > Chocolates > Citrus Food & banana > Dairy cheese > Vinegar 2. Stress: Stress is a potent stimulator of headache. If you have past history of stress related issues then you need to visit hospital to get medication for it as they are prescription only. 3. Exercise: Try to have a walk in the evening for 30-45 mins. Change in environment will help to reduce stress & improve health. 4. Sleep: Adequate sleep is very important. Sleep deprivation is a potent stimulator of headache. You need to manage adequate sleep of at least 5-7 hrs/day. 5. Light: Flashing lights like in clubs also stimulates the headache so you need to avoid them. 6. Keep a Headache Diary: It can help you keeping the record of triggers. Write down everything you eat and drink, your exercise routine and schedule, the weather, strong feelings and emotions you may be having, your medications and their effects, and times and severity of your headaches. This can help you see a pattern in your migraine occurrences, and will make avoiding one easier. 7. Hormonal Changes: Particularly important for females as it may aggravate the headache, specially oral contraceptive pills. 8. Weather may also effect: Humidity and hot temperatures can stimulate headaches, as can rainy days, so it’s important to be aware of your environment. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it. Wishing you good health !!