More tests?

Full Question:

I am 30 and been having headaches/migraines for 15 years. I have been to countless of docs and been on countless of meds. Headaches average 7-10 daily. Nothing works, nothing helps.

Medications: Midrin, Fioricet with codeine 30mg, Percocet 5mg, Ultram 50mg, Frova, Topamax, Valium (to sleep and to stop grinding teeth) for TMJ, I do grind my teeth a lot. I had an cat scan done in september, found nothing. Then I got pregnant at the first of October. While I was pregnant the headaches were better. Averaging 2-4 daily. Then I had a miscarriage the beginning of November. My d&c was performed on 11/14 and within a day my headaches were back to 8-10 like before. I went to my neuro on monday and he wanted to put me on topamax but I said no because I want to keep my body clean for when we start trying again in February. So then he said I should go for a MRI even though the cat scan showed nothing. And then blood work to check my thyroid. I also had an ultrasound done on my neck because he said he hears something weird when he listens to my neck. I just feel this is all pointless. Maybe its my hormones. Some people even my neuro said it could be from stress or the "battlefield in my mind". I exercise at least 3 times a week, when I can. But even exercise makes me have headaches. I pray, meditate. I don't feel that stressed. And please we all have some stress especially around the holidays. Need some opinions please I don't know if I should go for these additional tests. My finances are running short. jen883.
 

Answer:

Dear Jen;

From your description of the chain of events, it does sound as if hormone fluctuations may play a large role in triggering your Migraines. You might also consider how much your teeth grinding may be triggering your Migraines. Some patients have success with a night guard or NTI-TSS (www.nti-tss.com) appliance to stop the grinding.

As for the tests -- If you've never had an MRI or if it's been several years, it's something to consider. We run a thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4) on most patients because thyroid issues can significantly impact headache and Migraine.

Good luck,
John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert

About Ask the Clinician:

Dr. Krusz is a recognized expert in the fields of headache and Migraine treatment and pain treatment. Each week, he and Lead Expert Teri Robert, team up to answer your questions about headaches and Migraines. You can read more about Dr. Krusz or more about Teri Robert.

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