When I get a migraine, I can feel it coming on for 4-12 hours. I first get sensitivity to light, smell, and sound. Then the headache comes on, usually on the right side or in the middle of my forehead. It is very debilitating. I end up in bed for six or more hours even after taking preventive medicine daily (Neurontin and cyclobenzabrine) as well as taking Maxalt whenever I have an attack. Even with taking preventive medication, I still have at least 9 migraines per month. My insurance will only pay for 6 Maxalt per month, the rest of the time I have Darvocet to take, which usually doesn't help at all and I end up having to go to the ER and get either Nubain through an IV or an Imitrex shot paired with either Zolfran or Phenergan for my nausea and vomiting. I kept a migraine log and have quit eating anything that I thought triggered my migraines. What else can I do to prevent the migraines? Or what other treatment options do I have?
- Find
- Manage
- Resources
Q: What kind of migraine is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, smell, and sound?
Hi Lanay77,
Migraine without aura has symptoms like you mentioned, but I a not a medical professional and you wouldn't want to be diagnosed online anyway. We have a list of the various type of Migraines and and headaches you can see by clicking HERE.
The most accurate diagnosis may come from an expert - a Migraine specialist. He treats patients in one area only, Migraines and headache disorders. Neurologists may be fine doctors and say they are "headache specialists," but that really isn't the case. Neurologists treat so many different conditions like MS, stroke, and Parkinsons it is hard for them to be experts in one area. Look for a Migraine expert in our patient reccommeneded specialist list HERE. This article will tell you why it is so important to see a Migraine specialist: Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special?
You are on the right path on trying to figure on a new solution, because clearly you are getting too many Migraines a month. New research says if we have a long history with or have frequent Migraines we may be at an increased risk for silent brain damage: Yes, Migraines Can Cause Brain Damage.
Don't lose hope, there are over 100 medications that are used to treat Migraine disease. These are some other treatments in this article: Migraine Preventive Medications - Too Many Options To Give Up!
We also have a discussion forum that you may want to check out. Especially if you have questions or are looking for information, you may find the interaction on the forum to be quite helpful. To get to the forum, just look for the orange box marked "Manage" and click on the Migraine Forums link. Because our forums are maintained by a third party, you'll need to register for the forum. You can use the same information you used to create your community log-in if you like. If you want to go directly to the forum, you can click HERE.
Good luck
Nancy
Another area to consider....your blood sugar! Could one of your triggers be your glucose dipping? How long do you go between meals? If that IS an issue...you might want to opt for more frequent smaller meals. Wheat may also be another trigger, beside the more common ones such as deli meats, aged cheese, coffee, chocolates, red wine......Just a thought!
I had exactly the same symptoms and Imitrex became my new best friend. I've heard it doens't work for everyone but it sure has for me. My former insurance company only authorized 9 tablets a month and of course if you can't catch it before the vomiting starts you can't use the tablets. It also comes in a nasal spray and injections you can use at home. Recently I had to switch to Kaiser Insurance and thankfully they saw the wisdom in letting me keep injections at home which will prevent me from having an expensive and upsetting visit to the ER. In addition I can get the tablets - for the first time in 30 years I feel like someone finally understood my situation. 
All I can say is THANK GOD for Imitrex...this said with profound sincerety, and no profanity!
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 Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
