How often is too Much

[crow]

Hi Everyone

I first started getting migraines 13 months ago when I had five a week for 2 months, I'm 30 and this was the first time I had one. I have been hospitalised twice with them as I get extreme vertigo and confusion with them. I have fallen down stairs , collapsed at work and am generally at my wits end. For me the aura is nearly the worst part as well as the vertigo I get very confused and lost track of time my BF gets sick of me asking what day it is.

I am on Sanmigrain and Amitripline, and take Zomig when I feel one coming on. All this helps I'm down to 2-3 migraines a month it it lasts a day or two rather than getting a series of them. While work have been understanding I know they are getting sick of it which is adding to my stress.

Is reducing them to 2-3 times a month the best I can expect ?

[admin]

Hi! Two or three migraines a month is still quite a lot. We'd advise people who suffer from so many attacks to get themselves on a preventative medication but you are on two already! The aim of the preventative medication is to reduce the frequency of attacks - not eliminate them altogether. However, it can also be used to break the pattern of attacks so eventually - after maybe a year - you won't need the preventative anymore. Usually you need to be taking a preventative for at least 3 months and often more before you make a judgement. However, if you're unhappy with still suffering up to a three a month, perhaps your doctor would consider increasing the dosage or trying you on a different preventative. There are many available but what works for one doesn't necessarily work for everyone else.

If you think you need to see a specialist there are migraine clinics at Cork, Beaumont and The Mater so you can ask your doctor for a referral letter. You can also call the Specialist Migraine Nurse for more specific medical information on 01 7979848.

However, you are definitely not the only one who suffers so badly. We regularly hear stories from people who feel that their employers and even family and friends just don't understand - people who suffer so badly they can't even get to work. If you need leaflets or more information you can call the helpline on 1850 200 378.