Have had left sided headaches for 2 decades need to find a doctor in MN to help have had no success.
I have chronic headaches have been told migraines and tesion headaches. No doctors have been very helpful just read others notes and reiterate and say they can't help after little or no attempts. How can I find a doctor that will help me in Minnesota? It's 20- 25 days per month with headaches and I spend half my time getting meds, laying down, ice packs, massages just to try to feel ok occasionally. Pain is at base of skull left side and comes around my face into my teeth and eyes and forehead. This is so depressing it rules my life frequently.
Hi CA,
I'm sorry you are suffering so right now. We maintain a list of Migraine specialists who are recommended by patients or by Migraine specialist I know and trust. Hopefully, you'll find one there. We do have a doctor in MN on our Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists. But here's the thing, many people travel well over eight hours to meet with their Migraine specialist. Then a local neurologist may be able to work with you as a team once an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is in
place.
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?
Good luck
Nancy
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Have your doctor check you out for Arnold Chiari Malformation. I have fought them for 35 years. Finally about 10 years ago a neurologist "stumbled" across it.
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CA
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 10:31 AM
old_man
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 11:26 AM
The mild form ACM is actually connected with headaches more than the severe from all the research I have done. The only med that consistently helps and I take it every day is Celebrex. It doesn't take it all away but it makes it more bearable. Good Luck.
I had doctors tell me I was a hypocondriac (sp?) for 20 years. Just because they couldn't find anything on their fancy tests, I must be lieing. It makes you want to take a 2x4 to them ;-)
My migraines were always on the left side and they were caused by gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, oats. My female cycle played a part also, as some days gluten didn't affect me. I don't eat bread, bagels, cakes, cookies, pasta, etc. unless they are special gluten-free versions. I've also found that caramel coloring or flavoring causes migraines, as well as annatto, a natural food coloring. Alcoholic drinks cause the same. Now, I have migraines caused by disc problems in my neck and they start at the base of my brain. Doctors always want to know what side of the head...but it never helped them solve my problem! Try an elimination diet for gluten for 2-4 weeks? Supposedly, an allergist can test for gluten/wheat, but mine didn't.
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I also have chronic migraines and have been doctoring in MN for 30+ years without success (I did have one good neurologist who moved to Florida). About a year ago I went to Mayo Clinic and did not feel I received an adequate evaluation or approach. I do continue to try different preventive and abortive medications, along with alternative approaches and as positive a mental attitude as possible. I know it can be SO defeating at times, but I find if that I remember that this will be pass (no matter how long it will take) and I WILL feel better....and to take advantage of the good days, it does help! However, if there are any suggestions out there for a very compassionate and migraine specialist somewhere in Minnesota or near our state, it would be greatly appreciated!
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Yours sounds so much like mine! I've had trouble for about 12 years (and even earlier if I think back). Since April, I, like you, have had very few pain-free days! I know that feeling of desperation. I have had quite a good response with my current neurologist. We first tired Topamax, but my body couldn't take it. Then we went to Verapamil 120mg and I can't say if that one did much or not. Finally a couple of weeks ago, we decided to add amitriptyline 25mg and up the Verapamil to 240 mg. The very first night, I felt the pain dissipate! The side effects (sleepiness) also decreased after a few days (although I sleep much much better now!) I had a 4-day bad streak last week and finally went to a recommended chiropractor (yet again...) but this guy did something! I woke up Friday morning pain-free and have been for the past 3 days. I'm hopeful that we're on a good stretch now -- but it's a combo- preventives, supplements (B2, CoQ10, Magnesium, Fish Oils, Calcium -- see Teri Robert's suggestions), and chiropractic. At least I have hope today. I hope you can, too!
Good luck!
Kim:)
I say all this to say, don't lose hope!
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Interestingly having 2+ decades of headaches only 3 years ago was it suggested that I have an xray and only in the last few weeks has an MRI even been mentioned. I can't believe I went back to same neurologist several times then after a few years again because my problems were still chronic never once did he suggest this! I am a nurse and didn't reallized an MRI was needed (not xray) for this. The doctor said I needed to go to therapy to learn how to handle stress better and that I seemed "desparate" (obviously he isn't in pain everyday). Thank you so much for your suggestion, I fit a lot of the criteria for the minor form of ACM I will get my MRI,
thank you, thank you, thank you! CA