Michael,

-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-•*Welcome to MyMigraineConnection!*•-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-

Migraines and sleep are quite intertwined. Many Migraineurs have sleep issues, but they're not really symptoms of a Migraine attack. More frequently, issues with sleep trigger Migraine attacks. Too much, too little, disrupted, or poor quality sleep can all be major Migraine triggers. You can lear more about this in this video, Migraines, Headaches, and Sleep.

I'm not sure I understand what's going on with your disability claim. Migraine disease alone, if debilitating enough, is enough for Social Security disability benefits. I realize you're going through the VA rather than Social Security, but that should still apply.

How long ago were you diagnosed with "muscle contraction headaches?" I ask because that diagnosis hasn't been used by specialists in the field for quite some time. It was replaced with tension-type headaches.

Have you seen a sleep specialist or a Migraine and headache specialist? It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.

In the Social Security disability system, it's critical that your doctors support you claim of being disabled. One would think that it's the same in the VA. Are your doctors being supportive?

Please keep me posted

Welcome again,

Teri

michael

1/25/10 11:10pm

Ms.Terri thanks for your respond. I take trazadone to help me sleep. I am in the process of trying to get social security, the denied the first time so I am appealing that.VA I think diagnosed me with migraine with muscle contraction headaches maybe about 1998. I have had a sleep study done and it was okay. They can not seem to figure out how to get me release from the headaches. Have not went to a Headache Specialist. Thanks for your time

                                                Michael

Myth1977

10/15/10 4:40am

Teri is totally right, lack of sleep is a huge migraine trigger.  But, hey, also a symptom... for instance I have a migraine, it is 3 am, and I am not sleeping!