| Q: |
What should I do if I have a headache that is not like my usual migraine headaches?
| | A: |
Any headache that starts very rapidly and is very severe needs
immediate medical attention to make sure you have not had a brain
hemorrhage (bleeding into the brain) from an aneurysm (abnormal
ballooning of an artery wall) or stroke. A headache associated with
fever and stiff neck also needs immediate attention as it can be caused
by meningitis. When in doubt about a change in your usual headache
patterns, it is important that you see a doctor.
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| Q: |
How does having a chronic illness such as high blood pressure, asthma, or diabetes affect my migraine treatment?
| | A: |
If you have any other chronic illnesses apart from migraine, make
sure that all your doctors are aware of your migraine. Your migraine
medications must be safe to use with your chronic illnesses. In
addition, review the medications for your chronic illness with the
doctor treating your migraine to make sure that none could trigger an
attack. Your exercise and relaxation program will benefit all your
chronic illnesses. Your migraine diet may be a challenge if it has to be
combined with the dietary restrictions of another illness, but you can
get help from a nutritionist in working out different dietary
requirements.
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| Q: |
How do I prevent a migraine when I have a cold, flu, or other acute illness?
| | A: |
The most important thing you can do to avoid a migraine attack
when you have an acute illness is to have plenty of fluids. When you are
ill, dehydration and hypoglycemia are especially likely to trigger an
attack. If your illness causes nausea, you must stop the vomiting so
that you can continue your migraine medications, eat, and drink. Before
you take medication for an acute illness, you must make sure it will not
complicate your migraine care.
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| Q: |
What will I need to do for my migraine if I have a surgical or dental procedure?
| | A: |
When you undergo a surgical procedure in which a general
anesthetic will be used, you will be asked to fast for 12 hours before
the procedure. The combination of fasting before the procedure and the
post-procedure pain, along with the use of painkillers, may cause a
migraine attack. During dental or minor surgical procedures, if
epinephrine is added to the local anesthetic, an attack is likely. Ask
your dentist or doctor if it is possible to avoid epinephrine. It is
important that you resume eating as soon as possible after the operation
and drink plenty of fluids. Analgesics often trigger migraine attacks,
so try to avoid them after 48 hours. Ask your treating physician if you
can use NSAIDs for your post-procedure pain.
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| Q: |
I have suffered from depression and migraine for years. Are these conditions related?
| | A: |
Yes, there is a connection between depression and migraine, but
they do not lead to one another. The connection is thought to be
genetic. Both illnesses can be inherited, and both are caused by a
disturbance in the levels of serotonin. There are several
serotonin-related illnesses—you will probably recognize many of these
conditions, either because you have them or because someone else in your
family does. These illnesses include, but are not limited to, anxiety,
depression, insomnia, attention deficit disorder, irritable bowel
syndrome, fibromyalgia, and restless legs syndrome.
|
| Q: |
Is it necessary for me to search out specific treatment for each of my serotonin-related illnesses?
| | A: |
Yes, you need to see the appropriate expert for treatment of your
individual serotonin-related illnesses. Although the conditions are
caused by a disturbance in serotonin, the medications used to treat each
illness can be very different. Your migraine-friendly lifestyle can
help because stress management and exercise increase serotonin levels.
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