Updating my situation, and hoping that others can possibly update their experiences and headache status. I'm trying to tag @cherylsd @kdubos @lauriedr @teege1 @lisafl @dawn_giacabazi @jals @gothope @lulu1962 @socal @meme59 @lwatson612 @quazar @jana15 @shalayla @so4tune8 @patiencepie @timpowell84 @lisalucier @colleenyoung and JK @contentandwell. In my early sixties, I continue to have migraines, hypnic headaches, cluster headache; and one of the neuros in our "system" believes that my hypnic headaches (despite preventative treatment) then trigger a migraine and/or cluster headaches. I still have ER visits 1-2 times per year when preventative, acute and rescue meds fail.

I was shocked to read 1-2 months ago that migraines have recently been shown (reputable research) to not only increase stroke risk, but also increase the risk of dementia (not including vascular dementia). Stoke and dementia both run in my family, and it was sobering to learn about the link to dementia. I read years ago that poorly controlled migraines may possibly lead to brain lesions.

About a month ago I stayed at a BNB for the first time, 3000 miles from my home; unfortunately, on day 3 I awakened with a hypnic headache and was severely ill for hours, and after calling my health provider back home, was told to get to the ER. Both the Ambulance techs started IV fluids en route to the hospital; and the ER MD on duty the ER doctor insisted on brain scans since my usual very low BP was so high it was frightening. One of the two ambulance techs was new and shouted out that he had never seen a BP that high, which also made me realize I was in trouble. Upon return to my hometown, I contacted Mayo and I am so greatful to report that they accepted me as a patient (my appointment is in January). I am paying out of pocket because my health provider, whom I shared my plans with last week, says they don't do referrals out of the "system." Thirteen years ago I went through the same battle, and became a self--pay patient of a headache specialist several hours distance from my hometown. My current local neuro will also not write an RX for any of the newer migraine preventatives, even for me to fill self-pay at a non-provider pharmacy. These meds are not on our providers formulary and according to him, "there is not enough post-marketing experience" to prove they they are effective and safe.

Well, none of this makes me angry, it just makes me sad because my husband IS angry that I have not sought an appointment to visit Mayo sooner. I am hoping at Mayo to learn more about medical and non-medical treatments, recent "theory" regarding potential causes, how to manage with pain and the ill effects of "post hypnic headache" dehydration, nausea, and electrolyte imbalance. I am also hoping to find out eventually if there is any evidence (labs, exams, scans) that suggest I have early onset dementia, evidence of prior mild stroke, and kidney or endocrine issues; and how I can prevent or stall the progression of any of these diagnoses. I will be happy to share after my visit, anything that I learn that might help others @gothope @timpowell84 @lisalucier and Colleen Young. In my early sixties, I continue to have migraines, hypnic headaches, cluster headache; and one of the neuros in our "system" believes that my hypnic headaches (despite preventative treatment) then trigger a migraine and/or cluster headaches. I still have ER visits 1-2 times per year when preventative, acute and rescue meds fail.

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