Super extreme migraine, thought I was dying please help

[Sm710]

I'm an 18 year old whose been diagnosed with migraines since I was 6. The past few weeks I have been getting these severe migraines. The other night was the worst one. I was out to eat and started to feel a headache coming on and within minutes I had a migraine. 10 more minutes later I was in the worst pain of my life. Server shooting pain through my right temple and right eye. I became so nauseous and light headed. My chest felt tight and could not catch my breath. I was hysterically crying, really thought I was dying. I was laying in bed in so much pain I was screaming and just wanting to punch my head over and over. It was horrible, I have a neurologist appointment Monday but wanted to see if any doctors or anyone has experienced this and might know what this could be. I'm so terrified of getting another, it was a horrible experience. Please help it would be greatly appreciated(:

[jen_gerard]

Hi Sm I would have to say going to your neurologist is going to be the best option because they will be able to help you the most. However, it is interesting that you described that the pain was only on one side. When I used to get migraines and they were on one side I would go to a chiropractor. Sometimes migraines can come on due to neck or spinal problems so maybe you should make an appointment with a chiropractor also. Hope this helps!

[AKC_75]

Hi and welcome to the Migraines & Headaches Community.

First of all, you had an anxiety attack. That is what made your chest feel tight. So, the first thing you need to do is try to calm down. Migraines in themselves are not lethal so, try to calm yourself down to avoid another anxiety attack. But, it would be a good idea to mention it to the neurologist when you see him because in addition to giving you some migraine preventative medication, they can give you anxiety medication too. Ask him about either Xanax or Ativan. Another reason you need to try to stay calm is that the higher your anxiety the worse your migraines will be.

In the meantime here are some over-the-counter steps you can try.

1. There are several symptoms of migraines and what causes the pain of a migraine is the blood vessels in your brain become dilated. So, sometimes it helps it you put a bit of pressure on your head. I am sure you have already been doing this unconsciously with your hands from time to time. So, get a bandanna or a cloth headband and wrap it snugly around your head.
2. If you rub Mentholatum across your forehead and on your temples that helps relax those tense muscles. You can do this with or without the wrap, depending on if you like the heat or not.
3. Try either a cold or hot pack, whichever is more comfy to you.
4. The best OTC meds that I have found that works is Excedrin. It is a combo of Aspirin, Tylenol and Caffeine and that happens to be an excellent combo for migraines.
5. I mentioned caffeine before...well, drink coffee, Mt Dew, take Vivirin...sometimes a mega dose of caffeine will stop it in its tracks.
6. If you get nauseous or dizzy get some Meclizine from the pharmacy (the stuff behind the counter) you can take 25mg three times a day as needed. Yes it works on both.

Please let us know what your doctor says. I hope you feel better soon!!