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Not a migraineur but my wife is. She suffers from chronic migraine and has some level of headache pain 24/7, with it developing into attacks ~3 times a week. This has been like this for years - it's been rough, as I'm sure I don't have to tell you.

It sounds like you are already well down the path of using the best techniques that the medical world has come up with to tackle migraines. Good luck with this! I've pretty much given up on looking online for medical advice (which I realize is not what you were asking for) - it seems for every form of medication available there are a thousand stories of it working miracles, and a thousand stories of it doing nothing at all. If you find something that works, awesome. My wife tried topimax and botox, and we think they were marginally helpful, but the difference was small enough it was hard to say. As a result she still continued to pop her triptans like candy. This past new years / christmas holiday was particularly bad, and it really made us go back to the drawing board and reexamine our migraine approach, as it was clear that life this way is just not sustainable. I'm sure you know the feeling. We were considering aimovig and that class of new drugs, but in our research stumbled upon this book The Migraine Miracle by Josh Turknett. The author is a neurologist who allegedly suffers with migraines himself, and he lays out the case that migraines have their root causes in our diet, and argues that longterm use of abortive medications like triptans cause rebound headaches. Believe me, I know that the idea that just eating differently and going off meds sounds too good to be true (and I really do dislike the book's title - such a lofty promise to print on the front cover), and honestly I'm not sure his method works quite as well as he claims, but I still HIGHLY recommend reading this book and following it up with his blog posts. I also highly recommend making your loved ones read the book - I learned more about the science of migraines and what it's like to suffer from them than I have from any other one source.

For the past 3 months my wife has been on the diet and has gone off all medication, including triptans and NSAIDs. She's improving, slowly but surely - her attacks are less violent and shorter, and slightly less frequent. She still suffers from more or less constant head pain on some level, which we (& Turknett) believe is the rebound headaches, and we expect to see that disappear after six months of being medication-free.

I'm not saying this book will cure you - for us, the jury is still out on whether it's actually the 'miracle' it promises, but there's not doubt we've seen some improvement by following its recommendations. Clearly there are people who respond very well to botox, topimax, the occasional triptan use, and other medicines. We are envious! This book has been absolute paradigm shift for us, and has sent us down a treatment path that so far has been at least as effective as the medication we've been on, and promises to deliver much more. It's not a quick fix and it's definitely not easy, but if you're not making progress with the expensive medications then I HIGHLY recommend reading the book and seeing what you think of it.

Good luck!

Currently going through this same issue. There's a few things I've found to give me some relief. I see in other comments that you're from Germany so I'll try to keep that in mind 👍

I use a gel ice pack that wraps around my neck. I also have a heat pack, but personally, the ice pack is much more relieving for my migraines.

Menthol cream like Biofreeze is a great way to give you at least a half hour of pain relief. Just rub some on your forehead, neck and maybe a little on your cheek bones, and you'll feel a cooling sensation that can really help you out in a pinch.

I'm fortunate enough to be in a state that has relaxed its medical marijuana laws, but I see that Germany is still keeping its MMJ close to the chest. Medical marijuana isn't for everyone, but it's worth looking into, especially since you're in a medication overuse predicament. There's a lot of different capacities medical marijuana comes in, at least in the States. I looked up some information about qualifying for medical marijuana in Germany if this is something that interests you.

Best of luck. This isn't an easy battle, but it'll get better.

EDIT: I also recommend the steroid taper for really troublesome migraines. I’ve gotten one mega-migraine per month recently and each time I’ve used a prednisone taper. My neurologist has his concerns about using this method too much, but so far it’s doing the trick.

Another thing I’ve thought of is ER visits. Sometimes you just can’t get any relief and your doctor isn’t readily available. I don’t know what the emergency healthcare situation is like in Germany, but in the States we have ERs in hospitals and standalone facilities. The standalone ER clinics are pretty badass, so if you have some equivalent to that I strongly recommend it. Most emergency rooms are armed with the “migraine cocktail.” It’s usually some combination of an anti-convulsant, anti-nausea, muscle relaxer, steroid, triptan or magnesium. You can tell them about your medication overuse headaches and they can adjust the recipe. Like I said, I’m dealing with MOH and going to the ER has helped me out, so I wouldn’t worry too much about their meds triggering another headache. It’s worth a shot, anyways.

Fellow migraineur, here! I agree with you. It’s not a competition and I make sure people around me are informed of what migraines actually are—NOT “just a headache.” We learn to live in spite of the pain, period.

I always had migraines and they got worse after I had a (hemorrhagic) stroke. Long story, but the short version is I had a brain aneurysm we didn’t know I had, until it ruptured and nearly killed me. I was in my mid 20s when I had a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of stroke, which is not the same as an ischemic stroke although either one is a seriously life threatening and life altering event! I am VERY blessed and grateful to be alive and function as well as I do. I know I seem “normal,” but oh is that so false!

I’ve had neuropsychological evaluations, so many diagnostic tests, medical bills and records to show just how real this invisible illness is. With that said, I don’t spend time or energy I don’t have to spend, trying to convince someone I’m in severe pain. It’s just not worth it! I totally understand the frustration, though.

I’ve had chronic migraines ever since my emergency brain surgery, and along with now having an acquired brain injury, I’ve had to make myself find a way to keep going! It’s very much do or die, and most days it feels like do even though I feel like I’m dying.

I’m seven and a half years out, next week, and I can say with 100% confidence, it’s very possible to look “normal” while you’re falling apart inside. You just find a way to keep moving.

One suggestion I learned from lurking this sub for over a year before I even joined Reddit, the headache hat!!! I’ve been on 13 medications (very much trial and error—felt like a science experiment sometimes) since February 2012, and thankfully Aimovig works well for me so far, but NOTHING has helped the way this has. I am down to three medications, two preventatives, one rescue.

Sometimes the headache hat by itself is just what I need to relax and relaxing allows me to reset my mind by not focusing so much on the pain.

It’s so difficult to relax when you’re in pain and are so tired of it, I know. The little things like this really do help! I even made sure my neurologist knew to please share this with other patients. It has been a huge help to me!

Link to the headache hat on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Headache-Hat-Original-Wearable-Headaches/dp/B00FGWLDR6

And if anyone needs a way to keep a record of migraines, the MigraineBuddy app (learned about it in this sub too) is awesome!
https://migrainebuddy.com


Hope this can help someone else, too. I’m glad this sub exists because it validates so much and it helps to share stories and know you’re not alone.

Y’all take care!

I take this supplement http://www.amazon.com/Migraine-Relief-Migravent-Supplement-Migravent-Proprietary/dp/B001HBT7PK every day, it was recommended by my neurologist. It definitely helps with the intensity of my migraines and has lifted the daily "fog" that I used to get (kind of felt like a migraine was around the corner all the time)

If you have a desk job I very highly recommend that you have an occupational therapist come in and set up your desk to minimize tension in your back and neck (do it at home, too if you spend a lot of time at the computer there). Use screen filters, and get a good pair of migraine specs (I have Theraspecs and love them).

A lot of people are hesitant to see a therapist about this kind of thing, but it was extremely helpful for me. Developing coping methods is incredibly beneficial. Same with biofeedback - learning to relax and focus when a migraine is happening, and focusing on tension release when they aren't happening is also very helpful. This sounds completely silly, but it works SO well for me - I imagine little sheep jumping over my toes in tune with my heartbeat, I jump them over my entire body in my mind from my toes, all the way to my head, and I slow the tempo of my "sheep" down as I go. It really helps to reduce heart rate and anxiety, and takes the focus off of the pain and discomfort. Intensely focusing on heart rate and trying to bring it down.

Another non-medicinal thing I did a few years back was to get a sleep study. It wasn't just about finding something wrong with the sleeping pattern - it's about improving your schedule and dialing in your sleep hygiene. Sleep is hugely important for many reasons, including migraines. Especially for migraines.

Hope you have some luck!

I'm so sorry you're in pain! The only OTC advice I can offer is these cool gel sheets, which I buy in bulk for migraines. You can find them at most Walgreens, too. They don't make the pain go away, but they can help make it more bearable while you wait for the Excedrin PM to take the edge off and help you sleep.

When you are able to see a doctor, I would ask for abortive medicines to try, like triptans, and ask about starting the two-month free trial for the new preventative drug Aimovig. It's the best and fastest working preventative I've tried in the past decade (you give yourself a shot in the thigh every month).

I wish there were more I could offer, but ultimately the best help you can get is in the form of prescriptions.

I like this combo vitamin that has fever few, and everything migraineurs should take. But I have to order in the USA and drive it home.

https://www.amazon.com/Vitanica-Butterbur-Chemistry-Support-Capsules/dp/B000O9V4CU

> Our Butterbur root extract, containing 15% petasins, shows in research to promote a healthy inflammation response in the vessel walls. This extract is free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, or PAs

> Ginger is another herb with an excellent and historical herbal track record of promoting a healthy inflammation response

> Feverfew is a popular traditional botanical promoting relief from occasional headaches, and research has supported this effort


> Other important nutrients supporting healthy brain chemistry: Magnesium, Riboflavin (B2) and 5-HTP

Have you seen an ophthalmologist? I remember I had to see one regarding my migraines and they gave me some sort of special tests. Mostly to rule out anything abnormal that might be causing the migraines. It's possible that you are suffering eye strain and that is triggering the headaches so getting an eye exam would rule that in or out too. Mention the migraines and light sensitivity to the doctor and see what he/she has to say.

Also, supposedly you can get glasses tinted especially to reduce migraine. It's an individual thing as to what tint works better. You could get tinted contacts too. http://migraine.com/blog/what-color-of-eyewear-is-the-best-for-light-sensitivity/. Wearing tinted prescription glasses would look more professional than sunglasses too.

There are all sorts of drugs that function as preventatives. The drug I found most effective was LSD. (Back when you could get pharmaceutical LSD.) Not that I advocate going out and buying street drugs but cannabinoids and hallucinogenics do work as prophylactics. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/781651. In my case my migraines disappeared for decades before resurfacing.

This is an excellent book on headaches and the various drugs that can be used to prevent or abort headaches. It also covers some self help therapies you can try.

Do try lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers, do exercise (unless that's a trigger for you). I do exercises to stretch and strengthen my neck, meditation and relaxation help, especially when a migraine hits I take an abortive and put myself in a trance and it's gone in an hour.

I keep my house dimly lit, which drives the boyfriend nuts, but I do better in the dark. I find I do better with task lighting rather than flooding the room with light. You can get gel sheets to cover your task light with. You might find it easier to work under red or amber light than white or blue. Fluorescents tend to be blue, it may be their blueness that is affecting you more than their frequency.

If you don't already, I'd definitely recommend that you get a prescription for sumatriptan. For me, it's been a lifesaver. It's an abortive medication, so it won't prevent the migraine from happening, but it is very effective for making a migraine go away once it has started.

Other than that, there's not much to say. Everyone's migraine triggers are different. Could be any number of things, but a few worth investigating:

• Vitamin deficency. Some people seem to have pretty good success treating this with a supplement like Migravent
  
  
• If you wake up with a headache every morning, it could have something to do with your sleep (clenching you jaw, perhaps)
  
  
• Blue light exposure late at night, possibly.
  
  
• Anything else. Sorry, there are so many triggers. You could try keeping a journal to see if you can detect any patterns
  

When I had my first aura I freaked out too- esp since my family has a history of eye issues and brain tumors. (this was after I had migraines for awhile too) In a panic I called my doc who said I should call my neuro, and he said they are pretty normal. I still went to the eye doctor just in case the next week as I kept having them, but it seems they are linked to my chronic migraines.

For me, I take a break from being on the computer/reading/watching tv and relax. If I'm having a full on migraine, I lay down and close my eyes, and I have an eye pillow that you put in the freezer that I put over my eyes, and try to take a nap if possible. If I just have the aura (which does happen) I know that I either have a migraine coming or just need to get somewhere dark, so I just try to relax somewhere not as bright.

Also, sunglasses with the UV filter seem to help me when I go outside, since for me I get the auras mostly with bright light or eye strain. Hope that helps!

No worries, I know how topamax goes. Get some sleep and totally message me if you want tomorrow (either in this thread or a PM). I genuinely am worried about everyone on here and would love to help/be someone for you to talk to who can empathize. I truly think that being able to talk to someone who at least partially understands is really important.

I love freezy head things. My favorites are these black ones and I have this "helmet/hood" that I love sometimes. Depends on my mood (usually I just want the eyemask, but there have been times I've rocked both.

I keep 3-4 eyemasks around at a time so I can keep some cooling. They only stay cool ~20 minutes (I flip them over as they start to warm) so having a few cooling is good if I'm really bad and need to rotate. I find the hood stays cool longer (and that brand does make a normal eye mask that isn't bad, I just like the black ones better personally).

Sleep well!

Don't totally give up on pizza. There are MANY foods and drinks that are triggers, along with life stuff. The trick is to limit your triggers so that they don't "overflow" and cause you a migraine.

I did that with onions (sulfates). Completely omitted them and wouldn't eat anything that had onions on it. When my life stress started to abate, I reintroduced some of the foods I'd given up, and onions were then an okay thing.

Tomatoes may be just sending your migraine limit over capacity.


Read this book:

https://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Headache-David-Buchholz/dp/0761125663/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1518281052&sr=1-4&keywords=migraine+relief#reader_0761125663

It honestly saved my life. I realized that I had the ability to control my OWN headaches, instead of them controlling me.

Don't get me wrong, I have chronic intractable migraine, so I always hurt; this book, however, has made it so my days are usually a 2-3 on the pain scale (1-10) And that's doable for me.

Please let me know how you're feeling, and honestly, try to get this book. It really opened my eyes.

Good luck, friend!

I have The Headache Hat that my boyfriend refers to as, "The Turban of Pain." It's amazing and I don't know how I've lived with migraines for so long without it.

This is also in the realm of drugs, but more of a natural, or a controversial, remedy depending on how you look at it. I sniff tobacco, called "snuff" or what South American cultures call rapé (pronounced, ra-pAY). This is helpful when I get a headache near my eyes or in my sinus areas. It's completely stopped migraines from developing. I can answer some questions if you're curious about it.

I also use a mouth guard at night that I had made at my dentist. It helps protect the nerves in my teeth/face from getting irritated when I grind my teeth. I don't sleep without it.

Rocky Mountain Oil company has a Migraine Support blend that I've found works better than other essential oil companies/MLM's. You can either get the one linked there and dilute 20-30 drops of it with fractionated coconut oil in a glass roller bottle (make sure it has a metal roller - plastic will dilute in the oils), or purchase the roller they sell for $15.

Omigoodness I love the word crygraine, I'm totally stealing that.

I work with those all the way from two to young adult, and let me tell you, kids are way more kind and understanding about migraines than adults are.

Also, I don't know about you, but when I worked in the schools the fluorescent lights were terrible for my migraines. You can put up light filters (magnetic) over the lights (most come with a sheet saying they're not fire hazards) which really help. Bonus is that my high schoolers said it made school feel less like a prison (direct quote).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001YT7DFQ/ref=sspa_mw_detail_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Alternatively, if you have a good school, you can ask them if you can take one bulb out in every light. That helps too. Or just get rid of the lights directly above your desk to give you a bit of a sanctuary.

Finally, a glare proof screen cover and the add on f.lux (if school will allow you to download it - they gave me permission) will seriously help when you have to use the computer.

I probably should have replied to you and not another poster, but I've got the same temporary relief only after a few several month stints going to a massage therapist/PT and that's massage + lots of targeted exercise.

For me it's a neurological issue most likely, migraines and very painful muscle knots after smacking the back of my head, damaged occipital nerve and who know's what else may have been pulled or tied into the same area.

Muscle relaxants take the edge off the neck/back pain, ease the rock hard spasms/knots some, but aren't as good as massage, which I've stopped going to because it's pretty much a day long road trip because I'm in a rural place, and that's about as bad as it triggers soreness just from sitting in a car seat and triggers migraines being out in daylight and noise all day long. Also, it's often traiding the old pain for a new pain, as getting in deep causes soreness of all the surrounding areas. The knots are sharp pains, and massage blurs them out over a wider area for a couple days, rinse and repeat, in the end it didn't seem worth the effort.

I have an electric chair massager that I use for the stuff on the back, depending on your size it may even work some on the neck but my specific model isn't quite the best for that.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BOYA2M2?th=1

It's not a vibrator, it's deep nodules spun slowly and strongly around. I'm a big guy so if I lean into it too hard it sounds like something slipping, but if I kinda sit upright(eg proper posture) and only lean into it, it works great.

The heat feature is too much for me as the friction gets plenty warm anyways.

As well as the other thing the person mentioned, thought I find I can virtually do the same by leaning my weight into a door or corner of a wall or whatever else is well placed like a hand rail, I can see where that big tool would come in handy, massage therapist gave me a couple of hard rubber balls about the size of a baseball, put them in a sock then place between your back and the wall, or bind them together and you've got something you can roll around or place one on each side of the spine or what have you.

I'm sure there are other similarly cheap solutions for self massage for that temporary relief of back pain.

One that I don't have the set-up for but that could work well on the neck or topside of the shoulder was a bar at about pectoral level, stand under and pull yourself up into to get deep into that trap? that slopes to the shoulder from the neck. My muscle there is very deep and hard to access even for massage therapists(the one that was a farm girl with really strong hands ended up leaving and the new one had to figure a different way, this was the solution). Could just about do it with a 2x4 board if you have somewhere you could firmly attach it. What we used at the gym was a weightlifting bar and I used my arms to hold it firmly in the bracket.

That's it for the info-dump that I have knowledge of, of none of it is specifically useful, hopefully it can lead to something else that does work for you.

I can't speak on these particular prescriptions, but I have used all 3 supplements. The coenzyme Q10 didn't do much for me, so I don't take it any longer. I do still use the B2 and Magnesium. I actually use a product called Preventa Migraine, which has magnesium, B2, Butterbur and Feverfew. Many people have had a lot of success with these supplements. For me, I have found the severity of the average migraine to be reduced, but they are no less frequent (still chronic).

Supplements are an often discussed topic in this sub. I'm sure you can't find a ton of discussion on these. Good luck!

Edit: apparently there is another product called Migravent with contains Coenzyme Q10, magnesium, B2 and Butterbur.

Edit 2: 10 days later, just prescribed 120mg daily of verapamil. I guess we will find out together!

Oh man, I'm so sorry. This does not sound like anything I've ever dealt with. When MY migraines last multiple days, they sort of come and go. The first day, usually it's really, really bad. Then in goes away for a while, but it comes back the next day, usually around or a little after day #1, and then it's really bad again.

But day#3 and beyond, it's the same story, but reduced intensity. Like if migraines were a ball, the first bounce would be day#1, and each bounce after would have less force. Is that similar to your situation?

Tips I've developed over 20 years:

1. Treat when the pain is minor, not just when it's serious Migraines start small and they grow in intensity. Almost anything you do will be more effective when the intensity is lower. So treat it THEN. Don't wait until it's bad.
   
   
2. Pain over the eye: If you experience pain over one eye, treat with heat. My personal favorite is to stand in a hot shower with water pouring onto or just above the point of pain and dripping down. This is often more effective for me than medication.
   
   If you are attempting to drive somewhere with this symptom, turn up the heat full blast. Turn the car into a giant heat pack. This will make you sweat balls, but it can be very effective treatment
   
   
3. Pain in back of neck: My worst symptom is often pain at the back of my neck. For that, I find that two things help immensely: A) Lying face down on the mattress. This is counterintuitive, it will FEEL wrong at first. But give it a few minutes. A half hour face down on the mattress has cured my back of neck pain a few times and frequently reduced it. There is one caveat though - sometimes the pain will subtly move back to my eye while I'm in this position, and when that happens this is no longer likely to help. B) Use Heat Packs: This may or may not be common sense, but heat packs are great treatment for this symptom. I use one that wears kind of like a cape
   
   
4. Misc:
   Cold bands are often very helpful. Sometimes going back and forth between heat and cold is especially effective.
   
   Best of luck. Don't stop trying

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FHZNQE?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

This is the best freezy mask I’ve ever had. I’ve bought 2 and bought 2 for other people. I can’t say enough good things about it. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

I don’t see it mentioned a lot on this thread but migraine blocker by source natural works similar to taking fioricet for me! It’s all natural, I take 4 instead of 2 at the start and 2 more as needed. I buy mine on amazon but I’ve heard you can get it at Whole Foods and places like that.
migraine releif

Migrastil Migraine Stick Roll-on, 0.3-Ounce Essential Oil Aromatherapy 10ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BT8VCOY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mFliDbMPJBD5S

Hope it helps you! It definitely gives me relief until the meds kick in.
Just don’t get in your eyes!

It would definitely be helpful for your doctors if you kept a log of your headaches. There's a migraine log template on the sidebar, or if you prefer to use an app, I highly recommend Migraine buddy (on Android only currently), and migraine.com has an iOS app.

Migraines can last between 4 and 72 hours, a typical one. People report pain in different places from their shoulders up, and at times in their abdomen. Some migraines are "silent," meaning there is no pain, just other identifying symptoms. Here's migraine.com's overview.

Obviously, we can't make a diagnosis for you here. If you've had a complete work up done with no results - I would ask for a 2nd opinion from a different neurologist.

My personal experience was that when my migraines first presented, I was being treated for a sinus infection that wouldn't clear - then one day presented with stroke like symptoms. I went in for an emergency MRI and followed-up with a neurologist who told me my MRI was clear, then told me to see psych. Just because you present with a "normal" MRI does not exclude you from migraines.

Ultimately, I was diagnosed with Migraine-associated Vertigo by an ENT that specialized in vestibular disorders. He started me on a regimen of Topamax. I was on a leave from work for almost 3 months just to get a diagnosis.

Also, I saw in one of your comments that you don't think it would be food related. I hate to say it, but most migraine sufferers have food triggers, so if you believe you have migraines, do not discount the food you eat. Here's some info about triggers.

If you want actual books to read, I would recommend Heal Your Headache, the author gives an actual migraine diet to follow, and information about how to identify your food triggers using an elimination method. And I would recommend The Migraine Brain, this author takes a somewhat more realistic approach to treating migraines than the first author (but the first author has great info about the diet).

Stress, I believe is a cop-out for docs. We all have stress in our lives and we all manage it differently. Some of us process it physically - and sometimes that means we need medical treatment. I have been told for many years that I need to "limit the stress," but it's not like I can live in a bubble. Life goes on, my friend.

Good luck!!

Ice is the best!

You should look into strap-on headbands that you can put ice packs in, or something like this. Having a thing to hold it onto your head, leaving you with both hands free and full mobility, is such a game changer.

The reviews were pretty good so I hope it works! I liked that it was cheap, so if it doesn't work I'm not out much.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ATRPCJS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

My neuro recommended this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O9V4CU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It didn't work for me, but they have good luck with it generally with patients.

For my wife a chronic sufferer it depends on the food, some (bananas for her) will do it almost right away. Others stack.

One of the books we have read said is the migraine effect is like a glass of water. Everybody's glass is different, food and other triggers like weather, hormones, etc add to the glass. The amount added is different for each person. However once the glass is full you have a migraine, the severity depends on how much overfilled it is.

The author, who went on to say that food A or B might not trigger separately but A and B can. Tomatoes and eggs seem to be a popular combination trigger. The Author went on to say that they had seen the trigger time last up to 48 hours.

Not sure what book this description was in, but my wife said the two most helpful books for her were: (might want to check for updated versions)


The migraine Brain

And

Women's Migraine Survival Guide

Not a reusable ice pack, but I've had some luck with these cooling patches : BeKoool Cooling Relief for Migraine Soft Gel Sheets, Pack of 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004AI8ZE6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Kre4Cb4PFW6HH

Thanks for sharing! I just received this ice pack strap thing that didn't work for me very well. I need it to sit right in the crook of my neck below my skull and it didn't do that.
I might try the migraine cap or The Original Headache Hat
Or this one: Elasto-Gel Cranial Cap Not sure why the guy's shirt is off, but I like that it also covers the neck.

I love my headache hat. It’s cubes so there are small patches without relief because it’s not one giant ice cube. It stays cold for probably 2-3 hours. I’m considering getting another so I’ll have more time with them. When that gets too warm though I’ll take some gel ice packs and tuck them under a stretchy bandana headband thing. That works well but the gel packs I have last 20 minutes tops

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Headache-Hat-Wearable-Headaches/dp/B00FGWLDR6/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1510561682&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=Headache%2Bhat&th=1

I highly recommend reading The Migraine Miracle or checking out the My Migraine Miracle website. Dr. Turknett talks about keto diets, but it's more than just that. If you aren't dealing with other issues (rebound headaches, medication overuse, etc), it won't help. I just read the book and am part of a group on Facebook, and there's been many people who've had success with this.

Edit: words

If you want to limit or filter additional fluorescent light, there are these shades that you can purchase online. They attach over top the existing light with magnets and give additional dimming/filtration to flurescent lights. I have used these over my desk for a while and they help me a lot. They come in a pack of 4. I just had to show the package information to someone in facilities to get an OK and then request that they install them over top my desk.

It was my regular dentist who made the NTI mouth guard for me. Maybe you should try the do-it-yourself mouth guard that mwcdem suggests first, since it is cheaper and you don't have to wait for an appointment to get it, but a full mouth guard never worked for me because I still clenched my teeth on it.

The thing about migraines is that they usually have several causes, and having any one of them doesn't make a migraine happen, but if you have them all at once, they add up to trigger a migraine. If you can reduce some of your triggers your headache frequency will probably go back down. For me the book Heal Your Headache was not perfect (I disagree with his feelings against migraine abortives such as imitrex), but the information on how to figure out dietary triggers was extremely helpful. I recommend reading it. The public library should have a copy.

Peppermint, spearmint, lavender. It also helps me sleep too if it’s taking me forever. I’m not a woo-wooey essential oil healer or anything but they do work to help migraines, if not just to distract you from the discomfort and help your stomach if you have accompanying nausea. I just roll it on my temples or neck.

Here is the link! I I bought it off amazon.

This one worked well for me:

https://www.amazon.com/Swanson-Barbara-Hendels-Magnesium-Liquid/dp/B006IB6KC2/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524607535&sr=8-4&keywords=hendel+magnesium+oil

I hope it helps you!

If anyone wants something very easy to add to their migraine kit and try: toll-on migraine aromatherapy. Caveat: I think essential oils are overrated, but aromatherapy can sometimes be helpful for migraine, this is peppermint, spearmint, and lavender. I bought it on a whim, it has helped!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01BT8VCOY?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

These help me a lot!
Migraine Headache Glasses:... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XLVZQ0?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I prefer those to this other pair I've tried:
(These didn't help me at all)
Classic TheraSpecs Migraine... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F8QIKF8?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Hope this helps!

These three posts are all great advice! Also, you mention a preventive medicine but when I looked it up it sounds like a triptan which are taken only at onset of migraine or while having one and in the States are usually highly limited due to rebound. Maybe that is a different country wording confusion for me. If you click on the link under Resources on the left of all the pages of the subreddit, there is the link for Prophylaxis, Abortative etc... When you look at it you will see there is a ton of options! Go back to your dr, and ask about why you can't try a Prophylaxis on the list you haven't tried, until one works. Drs are usually so harried that we have to often suggest and be persistent and educate ourselves. I really liked the book the Migraine Brain in terms of just learning more http://www.amazon.com/The-Migraine-Brain-Breakthrough-Headaches/dp/1439150354

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XLVZQ0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage

---

Never forget to smile again | ^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

Very good point! My doctor also recommended Butterbur, so I was looking into that: https://www.amazon.com/Migraine-Relief-Neurologists-Recommended-Proprietary/dp/B001HBT7PK/ref=sr_1_34?keywords=butterbur&qid=1571936314&sr=8-34

I take magnesium pills and Preventa Migraine on the daily. I highly recommend both.

I recently began taking Imitrex on the onset of a migraine. The first time I took it I got horrible side effects with my whole torso and face feeling really tight but I haven't experienced much the following few times. The last time I took it, which was a few days ago, it was awesome. Really took the migraine away.

And if all else fails, I use medical cannabis. Takes the edge off of most negative feelings, honestly. Lol

I have one of these. It's nice, but I do wish the ice pack parts were softer. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGWLDR6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_hE6sDb6CKVSSC

I've been doing the Buchholz diet. It's been working really well, especially considering how sensitive I am (chronic migraines).

If you haven't already pick up a copy of his book, even if you're not gonna do his diet, it's well worth a read.

Some other people have thrown out their sleep mask recommendations, so I thought I'd throw out the one I got. It's pretty nice when a migraine strikes, and another person on the subreddit recommended it to me.

IMAK Compression Pain Relief Mask and Eye Pillow
Weighted and you can put it in the freezer.

I usually just throw a pillow over my head most nights. Migraine nights its the cold sleep mask.

I LOVE this:

Headache Hat - The Original Wearable Ice Pack for Migraine Headaches and Tension Relief - Regular Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGWLDR6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ofzvDbVKE08M9


I tried to link it but it wouldn’t work so you’ll need to copy and paste that

This sucks. So fucking much. I’ll tell you that I know that list, except for Kratom.

The thing that dulls pain for me the most are benzodiazepines, barbiturates and the migraine hat. It wraps around and keeps your head on ice for an hour or so. I bought 4 and rotate them. Honestly, it’s such a relief compared to the many drugs we’ve taken.

Here is a link to the headache hat. . I hope it helps, if you try.

Ask your doctor about a magnesium supplement as well, if you haven't already tried it. Something like this one.

This is a good suggestion. I have one of these in my freezer already for normal migraines. Maybe I should order a second one so I can continually swap them out...

I use something similar, which contains arnica, lavender, and hemp: https://www.humbledhealing.com/products/arnica-infused-hemp-salve
And other times I rub this peppermint stuff on my temples: https://www.amazon.com/Migrastil-Migraine-0-3-ounce-Essential-Aromatherapy/dp/B01BT8VCOY

They both help while I wait for the triptan or fioricet or whatever to kick in.

My doctor gave me 800mg ibuprofen to take with my rizatriptan. Some studies show that when combined it actually boosts the effectiveness. Rizatriptan on its own wasn’t that effective, but together it did the job.

Also, my head gets hot so I use an head-wrap ice pack
https://www.amazon.com/Theramed-TMF10133-Cold-Headache-Band/dp/B004O3RF70

Talk to a doc. A migraine stroke is a thing.
I have noticed the 24-48 period BEFORE a migraine i have trouble speaking, my bf calls it word salad.
Also have noticed I sometimes get the need for speed before some migraines hit.
A good book I recommend .. The Migraine Brain

Dunno which one is best, but there are a bunch of "migraine hats" available... Would let you "wear" your icepacks

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001HTYJLO/ref=mp_s_a_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1473830194&sr=8-7&keywords=ice+mask

Something like this may work, at least at night.

THIS BOOK opened my eyes to my triggers and helped me to cut down my migraines from 20 or so a month to maybe 4 or 5. You have to realize that some triggers you can't control (weather, light/noise, etc) but when you find the ones you can control it makes a world of difference.

Triggers I've learned about from reading aforementioned book:

• MSG (in so many foods that are canned, boxed or pre-packaged or precooked and frozen)
  
• Aspartame
  
• Lack of sleep
  
• Too much sleep
  
• Loud/Sharp noises (the guy behind me at a ballgame whistling)
  
• Light exposure (bright lights above my head for extended periods - the sun, a bright dining table light, etc)
  
  I also learned that everyone's triggers are different. Bananas are problematic for many ppl but i have no problem with them. Good luck finding yours, and it always helps to see what triggers others have because you just might have the same one.

Butterbur, feverfew, magnesium, and riboflavin. It took a few weeks for it to kick in for me. I cannot stress enough how much this has helped me. I bought it on their website initially, which is filled with info about the ingredients, now I just get it on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Migraine--Butterbur-Petasites-Magnesium-Riboflavin/dp/B00G7VX9S6/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1406857335&sr=1-1&keywords=preventa+migraine

There are many types of migraines. In short, ianod, but yes, it sounds like a migraine; especially with the sickness and one sided pain.

Have you ever read The Migraine Brain ? It has really helped me understand and cope with attacks. I highly recommend

Wearing a Headache Hat right now. I'm going to buy another one next month, and am also entertaining the idea of a third. I know you can buy extra ice squares, but I'm not going to want to take them out and put them back in when I have a migraine.

Official Page: https://theheadachehat.com/

Amazon Link

Yea I know it sucks but you can't be taking that much excedrine per day. Guaranteed you're in a rebound cycle. You just gotta bite the bullet and get off of those to help yourself get out of the cycle. I recommend the book Heal your Headache. Helped me a shit load.
http://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Headache-David-Buchholz/dp/0761125663/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419222647&sr=8-1

Headache helmet!

https://www.amazon.com/Headache-Hat-Original-Wearable-Headaches/dp/B00FGWLDR6

Edit: removed stuff that had smells to them!

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Headache-Hat-Wearable-Headaches/dp/B00FGWLDR6

https://www.amazon.com/Neurologists-Recommended-Proprietary-Vita-Sciences/dp/B001HBT7PK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1506534910&sr=8-1&keywords=migravent

I take one of these a day and have not had a migrane in over a year. Has magnesium.

Here are some of my faves:

https://www.amazon.ca/TMF10133-Theramed-Cold-Headache-Band/dp/B004O3RF70

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Peppermint-Menthol-Rosemary-Headache/dp/B010OE8KQM/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1482593483&sr=1-1&keywords=natural+peppermint+headache+stick

https://www.amazon.com/Koool-Sheets-Adults-Migraine-Count/dp/B004AI8ZE6/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1482593507&sr=1-1&keywords=be+kool+migraine+patches

Have you tried any of the migraine diets? I am following the Heal Your Headache diet (focuses on eliminating any potential triggers) and after 3-4 weeks my migraines went from 5-7 per week to 1 mild one per week. However, I started acupuncture and the SpringTMS (transcranial magnetic stimulator) at the same time, so I'm not sure which intervention helped.

I am eighteen and I have had migraines for over ten years. Almost all of my migraines are accompanied by an aura, but every few years I will go through a period of experiencing the aura without pain. You should make note that you had an odd migraine and record any changes in your migraine patterns. You may still be at risk for a migraine with head pain; you might want to consider avoiding alcohol, chocolate, and excessive caffeine (energy drinks). If you keep getting migraines my neurologist recommended to me the book Heal Your Headache. I hope this helps.