Migraine Headaches Support Group

As with every single migraine medication - on or off-label, it is all trial and error. What works for some people does not work for everyone. Yes, Botox does work for some. For others, it doesn't do a damn thing. Your GP could also discuss with you a Greater Occipital Nerve Block, which is like the Botox, except it is different medication being injected. If Botox isn't covered, the nerve block very well may be.

As for preventatives, there are many many other meds besides the anti-epileptic class. However, one of the benefits of medications like Neurontin isn't just that it may prevent the migraine, but that at higher doses it can help control what pain you do have (which is VERY important for people with chronic pain).

You also need to know that many headache specialists are finding that people need more than one preventative to give them any good results.


Frova is the longest lasting triptan. It has a half-life of 24 hours. You may want to give that a try.

Zonegran is an anti-epileptic medication which works in a similar vein as Topamax but tends not to be as harsh with the side effects. I would suggest combining this with Effexor which is an SNRI like Cymbalta - which would once again help with sleep and mood, and if you're lucky...migraine prevention and overall pain.

Also, there is an anti-spasmodic medication called Baclofen. It is a muscle relaxant, but not the kind that makes you feel like a limp rag. It also works against the transmission of GABA, which is how Neurontin and Lyrica fight against pain. Some headache specialists are using it on its own, or using it with a low dose of Zanaflex (a stronger muscle relaxant).


Preventatives:
http://dailystrength.org/groups/mi...

Abortives:
http://dailystrength.org/groups/mi...

Other:
http://dailystrength.org/groups/mi...


Take care,
Laura

thanks for the suggestions. i will bring up these things at my next appt. i have tried the nerve block. have also had trigger point injections in shoulders & neck. took skelaxin for about 2 monthes, to loosen these muscles. how do i find a headache specialist?

Doctor:
Leslie Kelman, MD

Clinic/Facility:
Headache Center of Atlanta

Address:
5671 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Suite 620
Atlanta, GA 30042

Telephone:
404-843-9958

Recommendation:
Patient Feedback


_______________________

Doctor:
Jeffrey G. Woodward, M.D.

Clinic/Facility:


Address:
1860 Mulkey Road, Suite C
Austel, GA 30106

Telephone:
770-941-3374

Recommendation:
Patient Feedback


Also, a list of local doctors considered to have knowledge and compassion towards those with fibromyalgia:
http://www.co-cure.org/USA_GA.htm


Local doctors with certification in headache medicine (basically just means they usually paid into a couple continuing education classes and are a part of the American Headache Society):

Marc S. Husid, MD


Director & Founder
Walton Headache Center
1355 Independence Drive
Augusta, GA 30901


(706) 823-5252 (phone)
(706) 823-5266 (fax)


Local doctors who claim Headache Medicine as their specialty:

Leslie Kelman, MD


Medical Director
Headache Center of Atlanta
5671 Peachtree Dunwoody Road
Suite 620
Atlanta, GA 30342


(404) 843-9958 (phone)
(404) 843-1883 (fax)


Nurse Practitioner with specialty in headache/migraine medicine:

Sharon King, FNP-C


Nurse Practitioner
Atlanta Neurology
993-F Johnson Ferry Road, NE
Suite 120
Atlanta, GA 30342


(404) 256-3720 (phone)
(404) 843-9032 (fax)


Take care,
Laura

Since I do receive Botox injections for Migraines, and it works for me, I thought I would share my story.

I had nerve blockers, and trigger point injections. I am on Topomax, and Maxalt (when needed), and Robaxin (muscle relaxers), and was hospitalized twice. This all occured in the past 7 months.

Then finally the Doctor tried Botox, and convinced my PPO insurance to pay 80%.

And, it works for me!!
I went from 20 horrific Migraines a month to only two moderate headaches a month, (that Excedrin Migraine can take away within 30 minutes). It has been my dream come true, and how I got my life back.

It's true it doesn't work for a lot of people, and there are side effects at first. But, if your doctor says you are a good candidate, then maybe you should believe.

P.S. I received 100 units of Botox (that's a lot).

I recieved over 100 units of botox back in January. didn't work for me, I had a lousy experience with it. I was so desperate and depressed that I had to try..... I won't do it again, but I do know some people get relief.
good luck- don't give up!
I use a combo of meds: muscle relaxers, immitrex, tegretol, and as much advil as my stomach can deal with:) along with caffine.
Bite splint therapy AND Physcial therapy for the neck/head and scalp. I know it sounds like a lot, but its the regime that works for me-
good luck:)
jill
its what I have to do...