I've been diagnosed long ago with CLassic Migrainewith aura, but I also fall in the description of the ocular migraines and ALice in Wonderland. (as well as ice-picks!)
I take 2oomg Topomax daily and use Imitrex, which doesn't work at all.
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Q: Could I have more than one "type" of migraine????
Answers (2)
1/30/10 9:20pm
Hi LCM,
I've been a little backed up lately and not feeling great and I'm so sorry I haven't gotten to your question.
At any rate- Migraine with aura is an accurate diagnosis (we've dumped the "classic" part) as is Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, and Ice Pick Headache. "Ocular" Migraine is used more of a descriptive term rather than diagnositic. Continue reading this article, Ocular, Optical, and Ophthalmic Migraines for more information.
It is absolutely possible to have more than one type of Migraine and/or headache disorder. You may want to see a Migraine specialist now, because it can become complicated with a few different issues. And most neurologists are not experts in one area because they treat so many different conditions like epilepsy, stroke and MS. Take a look at this article when you get a chance 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.
I hope this helps,
Nancy
1/29/10 12:22pm
Hi there,
I have been diagnosed with three types and soon could be adding yet another. I have been diagnosed with Chronic Daily Headaches, Tension Type Headaches and Migraine without aura. I was also diagnosed with an Ocular Migraine a couple of times prior to having a TIA in June which pretty much mimicked the Ocular Migraines so I may have just had 3 TIA's. I think Icepick is going on now and can be added to the pile.
So anyway, yes you can be diagnosed with more than one type of headache or migraine. As far as the Imitrex not working for you, is it the first triptan you have had or were there others? Have you discussed trying a different triptan? Everybody responds to medications differently so maybe another triptan would be better for you. Also, there is Midrin, which isn't a triptan but can be prescribed for migraines. Also, you may do better on a different preventative to reduce the number of headaches. I hope you have a doctor willing to work with you to find out what is the best fit for you and your headaches. If not, fire him and find someone who will.
Hope this helps!!
1/29/10 2:33pm
Hi Lisa,
You are welcome! You are the first person I've ever responded to on here so I am glad I had something that you found useful.
Regarding TIA's and migraines I am very hopeful that one of the experts will come in and give you (and me!) information on that. The latest round of migraines for me started in June of 2008 when I had the TIA. They came on hand in hand and I have been dealing with very frequent migraines ever since. Now I do know that status migraineous (sp?) which is a migraine lasting 72 hours or more with no break in pain can cause a stroke or make you more prone to one. If you do a search on TIA and on stroke here I think you will find the information you are looking from.
As far as the neuro not being helpful or a headache specialist I have to confess. My neuro doesn't know what to do with me and only likes to deal with "easy" fixes while I am deemed in their office as "complicated" LOL! What is awesome though is the PA there who was a neuro in his own country just loves me to death. He likes the challenge and he loves the fact that I can come in and speak intelligently about everything going on with me and even come in with the latest news. I was just there last week and had them take me off of Topomax which I didn't feel was doing anything at all for me and let me try Zonegran. Also, I was taking Treximet (with good results in the beginning but then it got to be 50/50) so I asked for the Relpax and it's ok.
My very best advice to you is to be a partner with your doctor in the treatment of your migraines. Educate yourself on the different types of headaches/migraines, print out the list of preventative which can be found on this site (currently I am taking 6 preventatives due to other health problems.) There are a whole bunch that can be tried and the same suggestion applies with the abortives which includes triptans but also things like Midrin, DHE and other medications. Try to have some notes together before you meet with the new doctor. A good history of how long you have had the migraines and if they have changed in frequency then a timeline for your migraines would be good as well. Also you can print out a headache diary here that you can start filling out which might help you and the new doctor figure out any triggers or the possibility of rebound headaches aka Medication Overuse Headaches (MOH). Be prepared to work WITH the doctor because bottom line you know what you are going through. Hopefully the doctor will listen and value your input but if not, keep looking until you find one who will.
I wish you the very best. It is very frustrating to be miserable all the time and not have someone who listens or who just lumps you into a category. The good news is that there are other doctors out there who WILL listen. Just don't give up! Take care and let me know how you make out.
Kellye
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By LCM— Last Modified: 09/08/10, First Published: 01/28/10
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Greetings!
Thank you for your responce; very helpful, although I'm sorry to hear you have difficulties as well.
I've never had a TIA, but fear having one as I've heard migrainours are more suseptible. Are you aware of any information on that?
I do see a neurologist, but he doesn't exactly specialize very well in migraines. There is someone else in the same practice who does and I will be changing my upcoming appt. to be with him after researching this website and your suggestions. I'm so sick of the attitudes I get from Dr.s - either they don't believe you or just lump you into one catagory.
I have tried other triptans, relpax being theone that seems to work a bit, but my insurance won't cover it. I have tried Midrin years ago. It made me sooooo ill. ( then you're ill with the migraine too!) I've heard of the new one, Treximet?? It's a combination of 2 meds., will bring that up. As far as preventatives, I'll go through the long list of what I've tried with whatever doctor and they look at me like I'm some freakin' chemist. It's so frustrating.
Again, thank you for your help. I wasn't sure anyone would bother!
Many blessings,
Lisa