a candid look at managing and living with headaches & migraines

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Asking for Help & Beginning to Heal

Since stubbornness is one of my most prominent traits, I long thought sheer tenacity could snuff out the migraines. If not through willing them away (a useless endeavor), then by relentless pursuit of treatment. Instead, I have spent the last two years feeling like the migraines and accompanying depression had conquered me. Being obstinate wasn’t [...]

Why, Hello There!

Along with the Seattle sunshine, I’m rejoining the world after a long hibernation. It was another terrible spring for nausea, but my migraines and headaches have been relatively mild. (More on that in a moment.) Whenever I have felt decent, I’ve been getting ready to sell our house and move to Boston.
That’s right, we’re moving [...]

New Migraine Drug Telcagepant on Hold, Perhaps Permanently

Telcagepant, a migraine abortive with much success in clinical trials, is now on hold. It will not be submitted to the FDA for approval this year, as Merck previously announced. Originally studied for intermittent use, patients in an early trial to see if the drug could be used as a daily preventive developed high levels [...]

FDA Approves Generic Version of Migraine Preventive Drug Topamax (Topiramate)

The FDA has approved production of topiramate, the generic version of migraine preventive drug Topamax. It will be available in multiple strengths from 17 different manufacturers.
This is great news for the many people who have found relief from migraines or headaches with Topamax. Except for the side effects, which many find intolerable, Topamax is often [...]

Crossing Allergies Off the Migraine Trigger List & Adding Nasal Irrigation as a New Treatment

Of the 33 allergens tested for in a basic allergy panel, I’m allergic to nothing. I’m happy with the results, even though it means crossing yet another possibility off the list. I used to get discouraged when I hit a dead end. I’m not now; just glad to not have to deal with allergy shots.
The [...]

Headache & Migraine News Updates on The Daily Headache

I’m forever reading news I want to share with you, then don’t have the energy to write a post. News & Notes, now in the right sidebar, highlights important stories in the news and on blogs. Follow any of the links and you’ll see my comments on the story.
I’ll still write in-depth posts sometimes, but [...]

Relpax Aborted a Migraine!

I woke in the night with the early stages of a migraine. After trying to wishing it away, I took Relpax. Triptans (migraine abortive drugs) have never been effective for me, but though it might work since I caught the migraine at the beginning. It did! I was exhausted this morning, but had very little [...]

Terrible Migraines: Is it birth control pills? Allergies? A bad spell?

My brain has had a rough month. I’ve had brief reprieves, but most of my time has been occupied by terrible migraines. I feel better this morning and am taking full advantage of it.
I’m in my fourth week of birth control pills. I’ve been spotting for the last 10 days, which I assume has contributed [...]

Spinal Headache Gone… Migraine in Full Force

The blood patch to treat the headache that followed my spinal tap required an emergency room visit, so I waited until it became absolutely necessary. It didn’t! I skipped it altogether and felt better on Sunday.
Then the hormones from the birth control pills I started Sunday morning kicked in and triggered a massive migraine. It [...]

Spinal Tap Equals Spinal Headache

On Monday I finally got the spinal tap my doctor requested. The procedure wasn’t bad. I felt bad yesterday, but thought I might escape another spinal headache (and the associated dizziness and nausea). Silly me. I feel horrendous. Even having my head on a small pillow is making me dizzy.
I’m flat on my back in [...]