brain injuries have been reported following these rides . Significant headaches after the rides should always prompt a neurological evaluation .
– Mark Green , MD , Mount Sinai School of Medicine , New York City
Put Out the Fire
I have been suffering from migraines for many years , but in my 40s , they became more intense and longer lasting . Now I can go for months with a migraine . I take daily prophylactic medications , but my migraines are not deterred . My neurologist prescribed a Medrol dose pack , which broke the cycle , but the migraines eventually came back . He started me on a low dose of Depakote , which seems to have really helped . The problem is that I do not like the side effects of Depakote . I am taking only 125 mg daily , but I am always tired . I take it at night to try to avoid daytime drowsiness .
I had Botox years ago before it was approved for the treatment of migraines . It worked wonderfully . My insurance , however , does not completely cover the price of this treatment .
I would really like to know how to stop the firestorm in my brain . I am beyond tired of taking medications long term . I have heard of a nerve block , but I have several questions about the procedure . For example , which nerve is it performed on , how safe is it and have studies been done to determine the long-term effects ?
My migraines are accompanied by nausea , photosensitivity and phonosensitivity . All I want to do is lie in bed with no noise and diminished light . I also suffer from fibromyalgia . Once the nerves are hyperstimulated , I am in agony . Then there is the rebound effect from the medication . What are the
treatment options for people who suffer like this ? – Judith E . All preventive medications have side effects and risks , although Depakote is one of only a few medications approved by the FDA for migraine prophylaxis . Botox is only used — and only useful — for chronic migraine , which means 15 or more days per month with headaches lasting more than four hours . Various nerve blocks and stimulators are used to treat some headaches , but their use is far too complicated to cover here . You need to discuss all of this , and further treatment options , with a headache specialist .
– Mark Green , MD , Mount Sinai School of Medicine , New York City
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