Is radiofrequency neurotomy a good alternative to pain medication for chronic migraines?
Is radiofrequency neurotomy a good alternative to pain medication for chronic migraines?
Hi Hopeful,
Well, before I would go down that road, I would exhaust every option possible, that includes seeing a "true" Migraine specialist. It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. See, here's the thing, neurologists treat so many different conditions, like MS, stroke and epilepsy it is hard for them to be experts in one area. A Migraine specialist treats one disorder - ours- Migraine disease and headaches. 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.
There are over 100 medications used to treat Migraine disease. With all the different combinations, the number goes up dramatically. Don't lose hope! Migraine Preventive Medications - Too Many Options To Give Up!
Good luck
Nancy
is taking 800 mg of topomax daily common for chronic migraine sufferers?
gemini girl,
800 mg of topamax is high to take for Migraine prevention. We are not medical professionals. I have heard of people taking up to 400mg. but not 800mg for Migraine. We have more information on Topamax you can read here: Dosage and Tapering Topamax for Migraine Prevention.
Good luck
Nancy
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Thanks Nancy for your bit of advice. I have tried for several years to be seen by a so called "migraine specialist". To tell you the truth I have been on many combinations of medications. My team of doctors and I have yet to find preventative, abortive and rescue medications that do get rid of the migraine. I usually lay in the fetal position with an ice pack on my head and wait several days for the actual migraine to go away on its own. Strong pain relievers do not even relieve the pain. So when it comes to list of options mine are very few.
I guess I did not articulate myself correctly in my first question. I was simply trying to find out information about the procedure. My mind was made up from the time my Pain doctor explained the procedure to me. I simply wanted a patients perspective. Thanks again for your input.