Hi- I have chronic headache. I have had 2 different diagnoses- basilar migraine or ON. I was told it doesn't matter because both are treated similarly. We have tried zonegran and topamax, but both worsen my depression. Conversely, it seems like AD's that give me a boost trigger my migraines! How do I get past this? Do I try to ride out the depression side effects? Even 100 mgs of zonegran does it, and I am supposed to get up to 400 in the next month. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks
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Q: getting past depression as a side effect of preventative
Answers (1)
10/19/12 2:43pm
Hi redrobin1977,
Basilar-Type Migraine and Occipital Neurolgia (if that's the ON you are referring to in your question) are two totally different conditions. They may use similar medications to treat each condition, but it definitely matters which one you have. A correct diagnosis is vital for proper management of any disease.
Occipital neuralgia (ON), a chronic pain disorder that is caused by irritation or injury to the occipital nerve, or area around the nerve which is located in the back of the scalp. People who have ON may experience a throbbing, Migraine-like pain that starts at the base of the neck, and spreads to the forehead and scalp. This disorder can happen from physical stress, trauma, or continual contraction of the muscles in the neck and may be temporarily relieved by a nerve block. Continue reading our Ask the Clinician for more Information on occipital neuralgia.
Basilar-Type Migraine (BTM) is a form of Migraine where the symptoms come from both sides of the brain and brain stem. Some of the symptoms of BTM include vertigo, visual aura, temporary blindness which is very scary and numbness or tingling or burning in our limbs. It is very different from ON as you can see. I would suggest getting a second opinion, maybe from a "true" Migraine specialist, not a neurologist who says they specialize in headache. When you get a chance 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.
If you are having issues with Zonegran and depression, it may not be the medication for you. In fact, I had to stop taking it for that very reason. Many antiseizure medications -that what Topamax and Zonegran are - have the potential side effect to make depression worse. In 2008, the FDA came out with a report saying this class of drugs increases the risk of suicidal thoughts. Continue reading Risk of Suicidal Thoughts Linked to Anticonvulsant Medications for more information.
Did you know there are now over 100 medications and supplements that can be used for Migraine and headache prevention. The frustration of trying to find what works for us can make it seem as if we’ve tried it all, but with so many possible preventives, it’s literally impossible to have tried them all. See Migraine preventive medications – too many options to give up! for more information
Let me know what you think, OK?
Nancy
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By redrobin1977— Last Modified: 10/23/12, First Published: 10/19/12
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see, I definetely have all of the Symtoms of occipital neuralgia, but the pain stops at the crown of my head. I even had the decompression surgery a year ago. Then, I also lose my balance and have tingles like occipital. I have been seeing a headache specialist, but I think she may be out of ideas for me. I know I am not easy because I don't tolerate meds well and get impatient with side effects. I have had BAD head pain/ no balance since sept. 1. I actually called Dr. Krusz's office today for info and ended up talking to him for 45 minutes! I am going to Dallas November 4.