YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Migraines

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Migraines https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:18:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Neelie on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2/page/2#post-1129334 Sun, 05 Jan 2014 11:57:26 +0000 Neelie 1129334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know this is an old post but i have been away for a couple of weeks. I want to second (or third) the recommendation to be consistent with the magnesium supplement.  My 10 year old daughter gets headaches (we're not sure yet if they are migraines) and mag citrate has helped her immensely. I am also a migraine sufferer, and getting off of caffeine was a big help...I only use it medicinally now, I have a cup of coffee if I feel a migraine coming on and it can either work completely, or it acts as a booster to my pain medication. Best of luck for a reduction in your suffering! karymk on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2/page/2#post-1126551 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 04:04:59 +0000 karymk 1126551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Glory and Karie, so sorry you have suffered so bad! Ten a month is a horror of a prospect indeed. 39 injections of Botox? Yikes! My GP just recommended me to a neuro who does this but IMO if I'm gonna spend for Botox it will be for forehead wrinkles! So many good ideas here;It is so strange and odd to me that one med doesn't do it for all of us.  Imitrex was a bust for me.  Maxalt seems to be holding the line, but my gf up the street love the effect of her Relpax.  I hate migraine.  I feel like I'm having a seizure or stroke every time.  I get so nervous at the first flutterings of aura.  My heart starts beating harder, my palms sweat just from the angst of the impending experience. Have you heard about their being a "hole in the heart" cause of migraine? That when they plugged the hole up, the migraines went away? Karie on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2/page/2#post-1126221 Wed, 01 Jan 2014 21:37:43 +0000 Karie 1126221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh I know your pain, fellow migraine sufferers. I suffer from horrible migraines, and have since I was a teen. They have not gotten better over the years, they've gotten more frequent, even though I went through early menopause (at age 36) which should have taken care of hormone-related migraines. The only thing that works for me is Imitrex, and it works every time. I don't get numbness or tingling, but I get the aura, light sensitivity, nausea, etc. I get about 10 migraines per month. I do get fewer during the winter months, and more during spring, summer, and fall. I have taken every preventative, seen every doctor, had every test, and they've found nothing. "I've had my head examined and they found nothing there," LOL.  What works for me is avoiding the migraine triggers - MSG, berries, food additives, stress (good luck with that one), etc. Glory, I've heard about the Botox treatments. I read an article that there is a doctor in Maine that has had great success with them. Please keep us posted as to how successful it is for you in the long term. I am definitely going to look in to those treatments for myself. Glory on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2/page/2#post-1124635 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:36:51 +0000 Glory 1124635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Karymk loads of sympathy from me for the migraines. I have had them now for 35 years which them progressively getting worse and more frequent over time. There is not much that I haven't tried at this point in terms of abortives and preventives.   In early December I started Botox which is pretty much the only thing left in the arsenal. I have had 2 migraines since then which is a huge reduction for me. For those I take one of the following: relpax, zomig rapid melt or axert (only if it not an eye splitting migraine). There are no abortives that I haven't tried. I take one of those with Aleve (2) and lie down for a bit.  The Botox is super expensive and somewhat uncomfortable - 39 injections in the head, neck and across the shoulders. They recommend 2 cycles of treatment at 3 months apart. My fingers are crossed! Anonymous on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1122935 Fri, 27 Dec 2013 17:47:10 +0000 Anonymous 1122935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I started getting migraines during my first pregnancy and I was twenty- seven years old. They were constant and debilitating and they seemed to be hormone induced. They eased considerably in intensity when I entered menopause but they were still quite frequent. They also seemed to be triggered by intense exercise ( I love to play tennis) and they would last for days!!! I finally found full relief about four years ago when I stopped eating gluten and dairy. devon7 on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1122153 Wed, 25 Dec 2013 19:21:55 +0000 devon7 1122153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One factor that really needs to be considered is that a lot of medications people take for migraines have a rebound effect.  This is even true for the over the counter meds.   If you're taking medication for migraines more than twice a week, you're probably having rebound headaches.   Caffeine can also be a very big problem.  I used to be totally addicted to it.  I would drink about a pot a day and have coffee 4-5 times a day, even as late as 10 or 11 at night!  When my caffeine levels would come down, I would start to get a migraine and then would need to drink more coffee.  I had to have it at pretty much the same times every day.  Caffeine is a double-edged sword, as it can HELP a migraine sometimes.  But those of us who have "migraine brains" are especially sensitive to caffeine and start to really "need" it in order to feel okay.  I weaned myself off caffeine very slowly starting this past spring and have now been caffeine-free since late July.  At first, I got more headaches, but now I get far fewer.  I am also following a "migraine diet" (from "Heal Your Headache"), as I wrote above.   Getting off caffeine, eliminating the medication rebound effect (I only take OTCs now - no Excedrin or prescriptions - and generally no more than twice a week), following the migraine diet, and taking magnesium supplements have given me my life back.  The symptoms have dramatically decreased (both the headaches and all of the other horrible symptoms) and I feel much better overall.  I still have a way to go (7 migraines last month was still not great) but I no longer feel like a disabled person. I know it can be tempting to take the drugs, but if you're taking them often, you're doing yourself a disservice.  I had to suffer through quite a few migraines with NO meds, but now I'm glad I did because I'm no longer dependent upon the meds or the caffeine.   There is no one size fits all approach, but wanted to raise some of these points for other sufferers to contemplate.  I've had migraines for 30 years and it's been a horribly difficult road. I hope there is an end in sight now.  I was desperate and willing to try anything.  The migraine diet isn't easy, but a silver lining is that I've lost some weight and have been able to maintain my lower weight (I was never really overweight but often weighed 5-10 pounds more than I wanted to) very easily since I started the diet in July.  It's not really a "diet" per se, just guidelines and triggers and what to avoid. I am never hungry and eat great food.  I can't have some of my previous favorites, but it's worth it if I am not getting headaches half of the time like I used to.  Hope my feedback helps some of you... karymk on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1119933 Sun, 22 Dec 2013 01:50:01 +0000 karymk 1119933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes! Magnesium is really helpful.  When I pull back or get lazy, the migraines reappear. ManidipaM on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1119548 Sat, 21 Dec 2013 17:15:26 +0000 ManidipaM 1119548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Raising hand too. What I find most aggravating about mine is that they keep changing! The first one I remember having was at 3 so certainly not hormonal in the menstrual sense. But these days hormones and barometer are the biggest cues. Also the aphasia (speech trouble but generally verbal skills also) is old but the auras and vision defects are new. I have cousins with epilepsy and been treated for seizure disorder myself to no avail. Best guess currently going is that my 'seizures' (tunnel vision or loss of vision, paralysing exhaustion and numbness, and speech disorder) were painless migraines. Lots of strokes and migraines in the family. I use a weird combo of tylenol and domperidone. And try to keep my magnesium high and caffeine not too close to nil. Oh and avoid weird or bright lights and low blood sugar and stress... L'Abeille on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1119520 Sat, 21 Dec 2013 16:46:08 +0000 L'Abeille 1119520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ MIne are fortunately mild, but sadly I have passed them to all 4 of my kids, DS gets them the worst--vomiting with them, onset at age 10! When they are really bad I take Zomig, otherwise I try to get to them early with ibuprofen or acetaminophen (the rapid-release kind are the best, as once a migraine starts your stomach doesn't empty properly, even if you aren't being sick, so the med doesn't move along to where it can be absorbed). The biggest difference for me was in identifying my triggers. Time of month and sleep deprivation are what sets me up for them, so that is when I have to be strict about avoiding chocolate, cheese, MSG, wine; and about not missing meals, fluids, or a cup of tea at the usual time. And often it is further interference with the sleep cycle, ie napping or sleeping in or otherwise trying to catch up on the deficit, that brings on the headache--which was why I used to battle a headache for the first 2 days of any vacation! And why my mom insisted we wake her from naps when her 20 minute timer went off, to avoid a headache. I know lots of people who are really debilitated with them though, so I commiserate. Some have had success with Botox--so far the problem has been getting insurance to cover it (I would think it beats many days of work missed per month!) Aquamarine on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1119434 Sat, 21 Dec 2013 13:05:54 +0000 Aquamarine 1119434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ More commiseration here. Mine started with the birth of my 3rd child 17 years ago, and have waxed and waned in severity. Imitrex worked for me, but my doctor took me off of it and put me on Fiorcet due to family history of heart issues (she was overly cautious, I think). I dislike the Fiorcet, and feel its only benefit is to put me to sleep :-( Lately, despite abundant stress in my life, I have found the migraines have lessened a bit. Maybe it's the hormonal changes or the really clean eating I have been attempting. cheryle (Dianthus) on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1119416 Sat, 21 Dec 2013 11:11:37 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1119416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am sitting here reading this at 5:00 am because I have been awake since 2:00 with a headache that won't quit. I have had both the olfactory and visual cue to migraine onset and I believe both have been allergy induced.  It is very scary.  My doctor told me that the most common trigger of migraines is estrogen and that they will probably stop after menopause.  I am hopeful.  For me, anything that is solvent based can cause it so any time there is plumbing or heating work being done at the office, I am prone to migraines.  Its unfortunate that since most people aren't sensitive, they don't understand how debilitating it can be. i hope you find relief. texstyle on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1118142 Thu, 19 Dec 2013 17:24:29 +0000 texstyle 1118142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mine went away after I found out I was severely low on ferritin and started iron supplementation. All those years I was anemic and each month I would get a terrible, often week long migraine (nothing helped it) that I *thought* was hormonal, but was actually due to severe iron deficiency. Before that I tried magnesium and a few other things such as milk thistle, which did seem to help some, but not enough. Beth Ann on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1118132 Thu, 19 Dec 2013 17:04:29 +0000 Beth Ann 1118132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is me, too, Karymk, although I've never been with a neurologist or had an MRI.  My mother and Grandmother both had headaches with these symptoms.  I rarely get huge pain (except when I'm trying to see through them), but I also have visual disturbances, numbness, and speech disturbances in the worst of them.  I just turned 50, and my periods are starting to get lighter, come closer together, and, once in a while, don't show up.  I take excedrin when I feel that lightheaded, unfocused feeling, but I haven't had more than 1 aura in the past 5 months.  Hormones are a big trigger for me, as are allergies and weather. Exercise, good diet, and hydration are my best allies.  I do very poorly at getting enough sleep.  Sigh.  With Excedrin, the aura only lasts about 20-30 minutes, but I'm a bit "floaty" for a day or so. Later tonight, I'll return to this post to see what other Fabbers have suggested for dealing with their headaches! Jeanie on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1117912 Thu, 19 Dec 2013 06:09:51 +0000 Jeanie 1117912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Migraines are so painful.  I got a few in my 20s and then again from taking pregnancy vitamins.  I remember just needing to be in a dark room with no noise.  The vision changes were scary....I felt like I was on some kind of hallucenogenic drugs.  I just had to keep my eyes closed because the vision disturbances made me nauseous.  I would eventually throw up.  My son gets some and his doctor says it is very important to drink a lot of water daily.  I feel for you having to deal with this so often.  I find that yoga breathing and meditation help me deal with stress and pain.  The breathing has helped me ward off IBS attacks when driving car loads of kids around.  I don't know if you could keep the migraines from coming on but you may be able to slow down your breathing and get some more oxygen to your brain which could decrease the intensity.  Mindfulness practices can also help you make peace with some of the numbness and other sensations you are experiencing.  Lots of good advice here.  I guess it's like Angie says with fashion "leave no stone unturned".   deb on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1117746 Thu, 19 Dec 2013 01:22:51 +0000 deb 1117746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ karymk, acupuncture works really well and fast. The only problem with my acupuncturist is getting in the day it starts. viva on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1117357 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 17:22:27 +0000 viva 1117357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kary, I had to share re: your comment: "I used to pray that I never got a migraine while driving toddlers around." I got my first migraine when I had a toddler and an infant and I was at a company off-site, and I felt worse and worse all day until the end of the day I was sitting on the floor in a dark corner with my head in my hands. My mom was watching the girls, and I still remember driving from the company event to her house, all the while talking myself out of driving straight into the highway overpass. I just wanted to end the pain. It was horrendous. I knew my mother would understand because of her history with migraines. She called the doctor, gave me one of her meds, put me to bed, and took care of my children. I was so grateful I did not have the girls in the car with me that day. I think that was the worst migraine I ever had, especially because I had no skills for dealing with them. So awful. JAileen on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1117277 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 15:20:18 +0000 JAileen 1117277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I started getting the aura in my 40s, without the migraine itself. I was sent to a neurologist for a possible brain tumor. Fortunately I didn 't have one. It turned out the resolution rate on my computer was messed up. Once that was fixed the auras mostly tapered off. Krista on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1117203 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:59:26 +0000 Krista 1117203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have migraine aura without the migraine or migraine aura with a migraine. Migraines are absolutely debilitating and I feel your pain 100%. I have had a huge reduction in migraines since I have started seeing a chiropractor. I initially started chiropractic for issues with my right hip but as my right hip sorted itself out, many other issues I had have either greatly reduced or disappeared entirely: migraines, shoulder pain, and menstrual pain, to name a few. I used to take ibuprofen a few days a week for overall body pain and headaches but I have barely taken any ibuprofen in the last few months. Chiropractic is not an option for everyone but I just wanted to share my positive experience with it and how it has helped me. karymk on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1117000 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 04:03:07 +0000 karymk 1117000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh my gosh I want to cry.  You understand! Especially those of you that get the scary visual disturbances and SPEECH problems!  Does anyone else go numb in their digits or arms or tongue?  My headache is the least of the problem, it is the other horrible symptoms.  Tiredness, sensitivity to light and sound.  The hangover for days.  I am so afraid of stroke! It is my worst nightmare.   For me, I notice it is usually a factor of two triggers together: the barometer is changing and I skipped breakfast.  Or I slept poorly and was exposed to sharp lighting at say, Ikea.  Or perhaps I'm getting my period and drank coffee on an empty stomach. It seems that when I am religiously taking my cal/mag pills I suffer migraine very infrequently.   Now my poor daughter gets them and I feel so bad for having passed that on to her.   I used to pray that I never got a migraine while driving toddlers around.  What would I do? Who would rescue me? I certainly couldnt drive with the visual problems.   Today I am so drowsy, yawning, foggy, squinting.  And the headache was YESTERDAY.   I went to the doctor today for a refill of my rx and to go over some blood results from my physical.  I was low on some areas that could affect migraine, like B vitamins.   I also have the rx for the Fiorecet, but I am afraid they will want to pull the plug on that as it is an opiate.  It doesn't feel like an opiate! It feels like pain control and it only takes one to stave off the pain.   Has anyone tried Relpax? My friend likes it better than the Maxalt I take.  Thank you for your responses! devon7 on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1116982 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 03:44:38 +0000 devon7 1116982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have had migraines for almost 30 years.  I have tried many, many drugs and most of them either didn't work or caused LOTS of side effects!  In recent years, I started getting migraine vertigo (rare symptom - only in about 5% of sufferers) as well as the headaches.  I didn't know what it was at first and it was very, very scary!   I absolutely hate taking medication and try to avoid it as much as possible, so I tried to find a natural way to deal with my migraines. I found a great book on Amazon.com called "Heal Your Headache" (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Headache-David-Buchholz/dp/0761125663">http://www.amazon.com/Heal-You.....0761125663</a>) which outlines a different type of approach toward dealing with migraines.  It's a 3-step approach and a lot of the focus is on diet.  Many of the Amazon reviewers had miraculous results through following this plan.  So I got the book and started the plan in July of this year.  When I didn't have glowing success with the diet, I did a more restrictive elimination diet (outlined here:  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pcrm.org/search/?cid=158">http://www.pcrm.org/search/?cid=158</a>).  That helped me to get some relief and I've been able to add back some of the foods I removed from my diet.   Another thing that helped was taking magnesium supplements daily.  A book about that is "The Magnesium Solution for Migraine Headaches" (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Magnesium-Solution-Migraine-Headaches-Square-ebook/dp/B00AOAFW0O/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387338219&sr=1-1&keywords=magnesium+for+migraines">http://www.amazon.com/Magnesiu.....+migraines</a>) .  You don't necessarily need to read the book, but it's very inexpensive and provides a good background.  Not just any magnesium supplement will work.  I take magnesium chloride liquid (400 mg. a day).   I have gone from migraines half of the time (15 days in August) to 7 migraines last month with only two of them being debilitating.  I am improving every month.  It's not easy and my diet is still limited, but for me it's worth it and I'm getting my life back.  My migraines had worsened considerably in recent years as I approach menopause (I'm 47).   I wanted to post my story for those who might want to try a natural approach.  The third step in "Heal Your Headache" involves taking daily preventative drugs, but I haven't gone there yet.  I'm hoping I won't have to. Since I continue to improve each month, I'm going to stay the course with what I'm doing. I'd be happy to exchange email or talk to anyone who has questions about the approach I'm taking.  annagybe on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1116944 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 03:24:05 +0000 annagybe 1116944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I get very atypical ones and only in the last few years. Mine symptoms are difficulty eating and speaking. My doctor and I figured they're probably mostly hormonal, though occasionally I get bonus ones. We are currently experimenting with Migrelief <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Migrelief-60-Tabs-Bottle/dp/B0009EXNVA">http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-.....B0009EXNVA</a> ETA Mine first atypical migraine landed me in my own hospital's ED. I had the full stroke work up, CTA and MRI and an overnight stay. deb on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1116880 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 02:34:56 +0000 deb 1116880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have had migraines since I was in my twenty's. My mom gets them and so does my son. Mine would get so bad that I had to inject myself with high doses of Imitrex. We tried the Topamax, like MaryK, but I had an allergic reaction and was hauled off by an ambulance. I can no longer take Imitrex because of a heart condition so I attempt to control them with Tylenol and codeine. I have the auras, visual and hearing. I get silent migraine and my speech is affected. My speech gets jumbled and I do not even realize it until someone tells me. Then I take my meds. I started getting ocular migraines about 6 years ago. The first one scared me because I lost half of my vision in both eyes, from the top down. My neurologist has told me that migraine, stroke and seizures seem to run together. I have all three so maybe it is true. I have had an MRI while having a migraine and the pictures are very interesting. Finding the triggers was the most helpful for me. I do not have food triggers, mostly visual triggers. Once I figured those out I was able to better control them, or at least keep them to a minimum. Oh and weather is one of my major triggers. I can tell when the clouds will move in two days before they do. It is the drop in barometric pressure that causes them. These I am not able to control. I feel your pain and I am sorry you suffer from them, all of you. MsMary on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1116794 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 00:32:27 +0000 MsMary 1116794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mo, I take 40 mg a day (down from 80 a day), and I've never had any side effects other than slightly lower-than-normal blood pressure, which is not a problem for me because my blood pressure tends to be on the high side.  As I said, it has been a game-changer for me re: the headaches.  Prophylaxis is definitely the way to go.  I'm the only person I know who takes both a beta blocker and topiramate and I swear I think more doctors should try it with their patients!  Mo on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1116734 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 23:31:02 +0000 Mo 1116734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ MaryK, I'm interested in the Propranalol and how it affects you.  My BF is your age, and his Dr. has recently rx'd it for his migraines.  But he was cautioned on some side effects and is particularly concerned about taking it, as it is kind of an off label use.  I have metoprolol rx'd for my sinus tachycardia, but use it only on an as needed basis.   He has used Fiorinal with codeine for years and it works for him, but is concerned someday they are going to crack down on opiate derivative drugs. MsMary on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1116649 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:42:32 +0000 MsMary 1116649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Viva, ask your doctor about adding a beta blocker to your topiramate.  I've tried it by itself but I get the best results with the combination! LACeleste on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1116627 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:13:41 +0000 LACeleste 1116627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel for you my fellow sufferers.  Mine are mostly hormonal, but they can also be brought on by getting less sleep, stress (especially air travel), and certain foods. So draining. I hope you feel better soon! viva on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1116570 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 19:44:28 +0000 viva 1116570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, Kary, I will suffer with you but I wish we didn't have to suffer. It's a family legacy -- my mother had them, and of the seven girls in my family, 4 of us have migraines. One of my two daughters does, too. I had headaches when I was an adolescent but my first migraine after my second child was borne, so 18 years ago. Mine are not all debilitating. Untreated, I was getting about 20 headaches a month that would not subside with other-the-counter medication, and probably 6 of them were full-on migraines. Now, like Mary K, I take Topiramate as a preventative and that helps significantly. But I still get migraines during my menstrual cycle, and also whenever I don't get enough sleep or food, or when I am under too much stress. I have to use an RX med to get rid of a migraine, nothing else will do -- Treximet is the best for me but it is pricey so I keep it for the worst ones, I can also use generic sumatriptan if I catch it early although that usually makes me feel crappy. I definitely try when I can to crawl into bed for an hour or two when I have a really bad one. (They are not always that bad, thankfully.) It's weird how headache pain is only one of the facets of a migraine -- for me, I feel cold and sensitive to light, sound, and smells. I remember reading in a novel where a boy describes his mother having a migraine and she says that while she is in bed with the door closed, she can hear the conversation that is happening on the other side of the house. Sometimes I feel like that -- like all my senses are hyper acute when I have a migraine. And then afterward when it is gone, I feel sort of hungover and depleted. :( Feel free to reach out to me anytime. I definitely understand this struggle. rachylou on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1116565 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 19:41:21 +0000 rachylou 1116565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me it was peanuts (I got the aura-inducing, throwing-up, stab me in the head migraines). I am very careful about diet now, and that has worked. My neighbor has migraine, but she gets vertigo. She's been unable to work for at least 2 years now. No driving, no elevators, nothing. She finally got in to see a neurologist at UCSF. She's taking Topamax now and made big diet changes, and is doing a lot better. Sadly/ironically re. the diet changes, well... Everything she was eating was on the migraine-list - which was your basic, presumably very healthy Mediterranean diet. Sara L. on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1116531 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 19:04:52 +0000 Sara L. 1116531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I get migraines with the flashing spots in front of my eyes. I get the spots before the headache so I have a little time to take something before the headache kicks in. I'm lucky that they aren't that bad and ibuprofen and caffeine will usually take care of them. I also don't get them very often. The vision disturbances make it hard to work on a computer, which is mainly what I do at my job. So even though the headaches aren't too bad, I still usually end up going home for the day. Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Migraines" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/migraines-2#post-1116521 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:58:50 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1116521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I get them for strange, random reasons - but hormones, and lighting/vision seem to be two big triggers that work hand-in-hand.   If there is a suddenly overcast day with glare, it's like one eye is screaming for sunglasses, and the other eye is wailing that it can't see.   Other than that, my vision isn't affected - no auras, or halos or blurring.   Instead, the skin on my face and scalp 'hurts', or I get a type of nausea that I know is migraine-specific.    About half the time, the migraine will start without an actual headache - my heads-up is the nausea, or the skin soreness.   When I feel that, I go take some advil and it usually halts the migraine. When I was younger, I got them from stress, and that was incapacitating.   These days, they're more of 6-8 hours of uncomfortable inconvenience.   I usually get relief from ibuprofen + coffee + sudafed + hot shower/bath + cooler ambient temperature + easy food, like toast with honey.   And consistent lighting - all dark, or all switched on.   Not changing from light to dark to light.  I hope you get some relief, very soon!