Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012 Sonja asks

Q: Why are migraines more intense when laying down?

I have been experiencing chronic migraines for about 19 years now.  About 15 years ago, I was diagnosed with a closed-head injury.  I currently take Imitrex for my migraines.  For a long time that worked and still does to a certain extent.

I recently relocated to FL from MI.  For some reason ever since I have been in FL my migraines are WAY more intense.  As in, had to go to the hospital to make sure my brains were still intact intense.    I have noticed this happens when I lay down and only happened in MI every 3-4 years, ans was only a stray migraine instead of every one.  This is happening with EVERY migraine now that I am in FL.Also I have noticed that although my migraines are more intense in FL they are less frequent.

So my question is this...I understand different possitions cause different things to happen to your body, but is there an explainable reason that laying down is making my head feel as if A shotgun has gone off inside it when it haden't done that before?  And what could be making them less frequent?

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Answers (1)
Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide
2/ 8/12 5:25pm

Dear Sonja,

 

Have you spoken with your doctor about the change in your Migraine pattern? The barometric pressure quite different in Florida than in Michigan is it? You see, changes in barometric pressurecan trigger a Migraine for many people and maybe that is the case with you.

 

As far as laying down goes, no one really knows why someone may feel worse in that poistion. Others may feel worse when sitting up, we really aren't sure, I'm sorry to say.

  

Trigger identification and management is a vital component of managing Migraine disease. One of the best tools for identifying triggers is a good Migraine diary. You can download a free diary workbook from our article Your Migraine and Headache Diary. Some of us have food triggers; some of us don't. It's advisable to determine if you do, and an elimination diet is the best way to do that. For more information and a workbook on this, see Managing Migraine - Migraine Trigger Foods.

 

Good luck

Nancy

  

 

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By Sonja— Last Modified: 02/08/12, First Published: 01/29/12