The chronic migraines causing the nerve pain, or vice versa?

Hi lovestruth,

You've really asked a lot of questions that we are unable to answer here because they cannot be anwered online. We want to help, really, but cannot a diagnosis can be provided only by a doctor who can review your medical history and family medical history, discuss your symptoms, and conduct a complete exam in person. What we can do is give you information and support about Migraine disease and various headache disorders. How does that sound?

From what you are saying, it really sound like it is time to see an expert, a "true" Migraine specialist. You see, these doctors devote their entire practice to treating patients with one disease - ours - Migraines and headache disorders. Neurologists may be fine doctors, but aren't able to be experts in one area becasue they treat so many different conditions like MS, stroke and epilepsy.  You may want to think of it like this: when a pipe under the kitchen sink breaks, you call a plumber, the expert. You could call a handyman who can fix the broken pipe, fix the drain, the cabinets and paint the room if needed. But he isn't the expert you need for your broken pipe.  Keep reading for information on: Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? Then you can take a look for a Migraine specialist on our patient recommended list.

I know you're going through a rough time. If you'd like some additional support, come join our discussion forum. You'll need to register again once there because it's a separate membership database, but you can use the same member name, email address, and password that you used here. You can find our forum at http://forums.healthcentral.com/discussion/migraine/forums.

One of the most important things is to get an accurate diagnosis. To simplify matters and make it easier for people to get information and treatment, doctors usually go by the gold standard for diagnosis, the International Headache Society's International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition (ICHD-II). You can read more about the importance of a correct diagnosis in The Type of Migraine Does Matter.

I hope this helps,

Nancy

Hello--I am so sorry you are having a non-stop problem with headache pain and nerve sensations that can feel "scary."  Just wanted to add to what Nancy said--when  you see a specialist take in a list/calendar with you whereby you have analyzed and recorder for each day, things like:  time of day you have headache pain; time of day you feel the nervy feelings in your scalp;  note when it started relative to when you began the Antidepressant (some of your feelings could be related to a medcation side effect, not the headache, but only your MD can sort it out).  

Write down the times of day or night symptoms or pain get worse, and note any triggers (foods, weather, light, etc) that exacerbate your symptoms and WHEN during the day these occur.  This will help your MD make a faster diagnosis, and hopefully lead you to sooner relief.  Note also when these occur relative to your menstrual cycle, if relavant.  Note when you have not had good sleep, record your level of exercise, ANYTHING that might be playing a role in your symptoms.

 I have that "whoosing" noise with my headaches, particularly when I bend over.  I have hormonal migraines and another type of headache called "hypnic" headache that really causes a very loud "whoosing" noise, so much that I cannot hear.  My headache doctor helped sort this out.  So a headache doctor (if your neurologist cannot sort this out) is needed to figure out exactly what is causing your symptoms, and to make a proper diagnosis in order to select the best treatment options.

Somewhere on this website there is a recommended "calendar" and symptom log to assist you in mapping your triggers and analyzing the timing of  headaches and other symptoms, but I do not know how to find it (I just tried).  I'm hoping someone more conversant with the site can tell you now to find it.  Good luck and I hope you feel better.