Migraine headache: What helps you cope?

Thank you! I have no clue if the shot helped or not. I don’t feel different. Migraine with aura is new for me. I have had migraines in the past but very rarely have they been bad enough to stop me from doing anything.
Two months ago I lost vision in my eye totally 3 times in two days. I just found out that was an aura.
My insurance company apparently doesn’t cover the cost of the medication and it’s almost $10,000 a year! So no, I won’t be using that…

I was looking at YouTube videos about migraines. One of the channels is run by an ophthalmologist who discussed them. He was promoting a very expensive product. The company I chose is local to me and a small business. I am sending them my own frames and they will put the lenses in.

My adult daughter is in the top 2% of chronic migraines. She has had multiple treatments - drugs, surgeries, biofeedback, etc. They put her on this injection with her monthly botox and it has been a game changer. Granted, she still has some oral meds. I can only remember the muscle relaxers and something to help her sleep and one other. Sounds like a lot but she has mild migraines daily where she was having huge ones - debilitating. This injection has pretty much taken her off most oral meds and she is thrilled. The most difficult part is getting after the insurance to keep paying for it. She has good insurance but like all insurances, they are never trilled to pay for an expensive Rx. They also pay for the botox.

Oh my! She has really been through the worst…I’m so glad the shots are helping her.
I’m no where near that sick with migraine. At this moment I am having headaches from occipital neuralgia. I have to learn some stretching exercises to help with that…

I read somewhere that a magnesium deficiency could be the cause of migraines. Since I have been taking that supplement for about a year now my migraines have disappeared. Now, the only headaches I get are related to a change in barometric pressure. No pain meds I have tried do anything for those headaches but they usually abate after a few hours and after an exercise session. Good luck to all. I know how debilitating migraines can be...

My neurologist told me to take 400mg of Vit B2. 200 in morning and 200 in afternoon. They lessened for 2 months then stopped. I haven't had a migraine in 14 months. I was getting 2 or 3 a week after having COVID.

Hello @SusanEllen66. Migraines are challenging to say the least. I'm sorry you are struggling. There are many medications out there to try, from self injections like Ajovy and Aimovig, to monthly Botox injections. Some folks try acupuncture too. Unfortunately, I did not have success with any of it long term. That does not mean it can't bring you relief which is why I don't recommend putting too much stock into others experiences. We are all so very different with different types of migraines, pain levels and responses, that it makes it hard to gauge. How do you feel about migraine medications? Have you experienced others besides Ajovy?

As for migraine glasses, well, I sure tried those too, for photophobia. I was a mad woman and tried everything! Honestly, what I found helped the most were lifestyle changes like stress-management tools, coping mechanisms and moderated physical activity. Have you leaned more towards any of these approaches for migraine?

@rwinney this migraine diagnosis is very new for me. I know I have had mild migraines on and off for a long time. The latest episode didn’t feel like a migraine to me. It was more of a sinus attack, with a unilateral, temporary, total vision loss. I was tested for Giant Cell Arteritis and all test were negative.

Then, I spoke with my neurologist. He diagnosed me with migraine with aura, and occipital neuralgia.
That was just 2 weeks ago.
So, I have never done anything for migraines because I have never had “bad”ones. At this point I don’t imagine that I will have to take any kind of medication.
I ordered the glasses because I know light really bothers me at times. I also have fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia tends to make light, smell, and temperature problematic.

If you have been living with fibromyalgia chances are you know how to be patient and flexible, and roll with the ebbs and flows of having chronic conditions. Sometimes people who have central sensitization (hypersensitivity), feel things more intensely and may be subject to migraine and sensory flares. I hope the glasses provide you comfort and give you a break from the light. Have you been evaluated for cataracts?

Yes, I have had both my eyes done. The second one damaged the 4th cranial nerve so now I have double vision when I look down in certain directions.

Yes, I feel like I am hypersensitive. You will never find me in a casino! 😂 the noises, dizzying carpet, flashing lights and smoke absolutely slay me.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. I really appreciate you. 🌻