Sparky,
-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-•*Welcome to MyMigraineConnection!*•-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-
Wow. This is a tough situation. I'm so sorry you find yourself having to deal with it.
Did you have Migraines before the lightning strike?
It's really impossible to say there's a "best" treatment for anything given that everyone's body responds so differently to treatment. In your case, you're dealing with a set of symptoms that are especially challening, as many post-traumatic conditions are.
When used for Migraine prevention, Depakote is usually prescribed in the Depakote ER form with the dosage from 500 to 1000 mg pr day. There are, however, many other medications that can be used, and many of them might help treat the other post-traumatic symptoms you list such as the arm pain and nyumbness, thigh and buttock pain, etc.
To give you more specific suggestions via the Internet would be impossible and unsafe. Such suggestions and further advice need to come from doctors who can review your and your family's medical history, discuss your symptoms with you, and conduct a complete examination.
How much experience does your neurologist have with post-traumatic treatment. If he has little experience, if you feel you're not making adequate progress, or if you simply want a second opinion, look for a doctor who does have this kind of experience.
Although a Migraine specialist may not be able to address all of your problems,
it may well be time to consult 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.
You may well find that it's going to take a team of specialized doctors to help you with all of the issues you've listed. Please let us know how you get along?
Good luck,
Teri
Teri,
Thanks for your response. I did have the occasional migraine that also was R-sided. However, they were rare and associated more with my hormonal cycle and did not happen every month. Sometimes I might go months without a HA. My gyn gave me a RX for Fiornal that worked fine for the pain and I took that on an as needed basis. I was not ever on the other type meds b/c this seemed to be ok for managing the pain.
The Depakote500 is ER. Also, I have gained 10-12 lbs and my hair continues to fall out. I have asked my neurologist about changing the RX but he doesn't want to change anything. Meanwhile, I am getting frustrated with the lack of progress and new problems that have continued to occur. I did not mention that I am on Celebrex for the chest wall inflammation and pericarditis that occurred post strike. Now I am having r-eye problems with PVD. The saga continues and my HA this weekend sent me to the Internet as I am getting more frustrated with my lack of progress.