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Continuous headaches after a stroke
I am a 33 year old female. I had sagittal sinus thrombosis in 2009. I still have the clot that caused the stroke and will be taking coumadin for the rest of my life. Following the stroke I had severe headaches for months afterwards. They finally went away and have been pain free for almost a year. Last Wednesday the headache came back, it is always there. Has anyone else had these headaches? Aleve is the only thing that makes them go away for a time but I am not supposed to take that. Doctor said it is probably migraines but I didn't know they lasted for weeks at a time. The headache is in my left temple, feel it behind my left eye sometimes and then it travels to the back right side of the head.
Thanks for the help, I am truly lucky and feel greatful that I haven't had this headache in so long but it is scaring me a little that it is back.
Thanks for the help, I am truly lucky and feel greatful that I haven't had this headache in so long but it is scaring me a little that it is back.
Hi Maggie,
I can understand that you are afraid. It's a good thing that you got the MRI and MRA, so that someone is really following your progress. Just did a posting to someone else who has a neurologist who isn't offering the person anything to help. So often that is the case.
I also had to have an angiogram after I had the MRI/MRA. Don't worry yet. In my case, they did find something, but it didn't need any immediate treatment and may never need any. So if they do think that you need treatment, let me know. The first neurosurgeon said that I needed brain surgery immediately. I got 3 other opinions who all said NO. The 3rd neurosurgeon was so disgusted that he said, "That guy would have operated on anything that moved." When I learned more about it, I knew that he was right. So just be glad that you are getting the attention. Again don't worry about anything yet. It may be nothing or it may be something that is alright.
So sorry that your pain was so bad. Take whatever pain pills that you need to treat your pain until you can get more medical advice from your neurologist.
Keep me posted.
Sara
I can understand that you are afraid. It's a good thing that you got the MRI and MRA, so that someone is really following your progress. Just did a posting to someone else who has a neurologist who isn't offering the person anything to help. So often that is the case.
I also had to have an angiogram after I had the MRI/MRA. Don't worry yet. In my case, they did find something, but it didn't need any immediate treatment and may never need any. So if they do think that you need treatment, let me know. The first neurosurgeon said that I needed brain surgery immediately. I got 3 other opinions who all said NO. The 3rd neurosurgeon was so disgusted that he said, "That guy would have operated on anything that moved." When I learned more about it, I knew that he was right. So just be glad that you are getting the attention. Again don't worry about anything yet. It may be nothing or it may be something that is alright.
So sorry that your pain was so bad. Take whatever pain pills that you need to treat your pain until you can get more medical advice from your neurologist.
Keep me posted.
Sara
Had my scans today. There are some differences from the one taken last year. The doctor who viewed it is concerned and trying to get in touch with my neurologist who is not on call today. He said once he talked everything over with her he believes I will be called in for an angiogram. I have not had one of those before so a little nervous. Pain was pretty bad today. Had to take 3 pain pills after a week of holding off on taking them. Can't help but be a little scared. Will let you know how it goes.
How are you doing today? I hope your day was pain free.
Maggie
How are you doing today? I hope your day was pain free.
Maggie
Maggie,
That's why I'm anxious for you to find out why you can't take the daily preventative migraine medications.
I don't know what the rebound hazard is with Tramadol. You should ask your pharmacist about that aspect.
I was not able to tolerate or was not helped by any of the medications which was why I was such a good candidate for the Botox really helping me, so don't forget to ask about that.
Also I use an anti-inflammation gel (by prescription) that helps calm down a lot of my developing migraines. It does not go into the blood stream so ANYONE can use it. I can't use any anti-inflammation meds due to my kidney failure, but the nephrologist had no problem with me using it. So you might also try that. There's so much that I use to help my migraines, I can't remember it all.
I also use physical therapy exercises almost every day.
Hope any of this might help you.
Sara
That's why I'm anxious for you to find out why you can't take the daily preventative migraine medications.
I don't know what the rebound hazard is with Tramadol. You should ask your pharmacist about that aspect.
I was not able to tolerate or was not helped by any of the medications which was why I was such a good candidate for the Botox really helping me, so don't forget to ask about that.
Also I use an anti-inflammation gel (by prescription) that helps calm down a lot of my developing migraines. It does not go into the blood stream so ANYONE can use it. I can't use any anti-inflammation meds due to my kidney failure, but the nephrologist had no problem with me using it. So you might also try that. There's so much that I use to help my migraines, I can't remember it all.
I also use physical therapy exercises almost every day.
Hope any of this might help you.
Sara
I wish they could do more to help you with the migraines. It sounds like you have tried everything though.
I know you are right on the rebound headaches. I only took the tramadol a couple times this weekend and hope to not take any tomorrow. I actually don't like how they make you feel. First one was great and took away the headache then after that it put me on edge and I couldn't sleep at night. Was not a good feeling but it was much better than the headache.
Will let you know how Thursday goes with the scans.
Maggie
I know you are right on the rebound headaches. I only took the tramadol a couple times this weekend and hope to not take any tomorrow. I actually don't like how they make you feel. First one was great and took away the headache then after that it put me on edge and I couldn't sleep at night. Was not a good feeling but it was much better than the headache.
Will let you know how Thursday goes with the scans.
Maggie
Maggie,
I am so glad that you got some pain medication, but you still should look into the daily preventative migraine medications.
Yes, I have had a whole lot of meds and treatments which have helped my migraines, but I still can do very little physically or my migraines get terrible. So I don't have much quality of life.
You might do too much with the Tramadol which can backfire into a bad migraine. But you'll find out, then you can go easier on yourself. So glad that you have found your life again!
Sara
I am so glad that you got some pain medication, but you still should look into the daily preventative migraine medications.
Yes, I have had a whole lot of meds and treatments which have helped my migraines, but I still can do very little physically or my migraines get terrible. So I don't have much quality of life.
You might do too much with the Tramadol which can backfire into a bad migraine. But you'll find out, then you can go easier on yourself. So glad that you have found your life again!
Sara
Hi Sara,
Feeling like my old self again! My primary care got in touch with my neurologist and put me on Tramadol HLC to help the pain. I am going for an MRI and MRA next Thursday. She wasn't able to help much with the questions about the medicines, migraines and clarification on why I couldn't take the migraine medicine. I will ask those questions when I see my neurologist.
I was able to make dinner, go on a long walk and play with my kids today, it was great. I am looking forward to the weekend with them instead of dreading it. I forgot how much the headaches can cause you to loathe doing things. Good to be back! Have a great weekend and thanks again
Feeling like my old self again! My primary care got in touch with my neurologist and put me on Tramadol HLC to help the pain. I am going for an MRI and MRA next Thursday. She wasn't able to help much with the questions about the medicines, migraines and clarification on why I couldn't take the migraine medicine. I will ask those questions when I see my neurologist.
I was able to make dinner, go on a long walk and play with my kids today, it was great. I am looking forward to the weekend with them instead of dreading it. I forgot how much the headaches can cause you to loathe doing things. Good to be back! Have a great weekend and thanks again
My goodness, I just reread your response to highlight the questions for the doctor. You have headaches all the time. I am so sorry but am glad you have found ways to control them.
I have a blood clotting disorder, factor II Leiden. I have about an 8 in long blood clot in my sagittal sinus which will be there for life. I will have to ask the doctor about the constricting blood vessel reasoning. All this happened a year or two ago so I remember differently or sometimes I make stuff up that I think happened but really didn't, though I believe it did.
My mom believes in and pushes the bio feedback. Having to add more drugs on a daily basis does not seem fun and causes other issues.
I will print off your comments and ask the doctor. I am just seeing my primary care today so not sure how much he can help. I see my neurologist in September to do the yearly MRI and check up.
Yesterday was so much better until evening. I thought I was having another stroke. Felt like fingers were crawling down the middle inside of my brain. That was a new headache, haven't had that one before. It went away after about 30 minutes so I dismissed it. I feel guilty b/c my husband has to take care of the kids when I have to have quiet time. I just am scared that this could be another round of headaches that won't go away for 6 months like last time. Thanks for writing with me. I don't have anyone who has gone through this around me. They look at me with pity and sometimes annoyance b/c I can't do any of the fun things. I am becoming miserable medical Maggie again. Sorry, a little self pity coming out. Am over it. Thanks again Sara
My mom believes in and pushes the bio feedback. Having to add more drugs on a daily basis does not seem fun and causes other issues.
I will print off your comments and ask the doctor. I am just seeing my primary care today so not sure how much he can help. I see my neurologist in September to do the yearly MRI and check up.
Yesterday was so much better until evening. I thought I was having another stroke. Felt like fingers were crawling down the middle inside of my brain. That was a new headache, haven't had that one before. It went away after about 30 minutes so I dismissed it. I feel guilty b/c my husband has to take care of the kids when I have to have quiet time. I just am scared that this could be another round of headaches that won't go away for 6 months like last time. Thanks for writing with me. I don't have anyone who has gone through this around me. They look at me with pity and sometimes annoyance b/c I can't do any of the fun things. I am becoming miserable medical Maggie again. Sorry, a little self pity coming out. Am over it. Thanks again Sara
Hi Maggie,
You should find out exactly why you can't be constricting your blood vessels. Everyone else is supposed to try daily medication to prevent their migraines. There are a whole bunch of different medications. It makes me suspicious of your doctors, unless there's something unusual about your particular kind of stroke. If your doctor can't give you a good answer about the blood constriction, find another doctor.
If in fact you can't take them because of your stroke, then you need other treatments. I could not tolerate any of the preventative migraine medications, but I did find an herbal one that did help me called Petadolex. Studies show that it reduces migraines by about 70%. Just go on-line to find it. But you should ask your doctors first. Plus it is manufactured in Germany where the government does evaluate all the herbals which otherwise often have toxins in them like lead.
If you really can't take any daily meds, then you should look into Botox injections which were approved for migraines in October 2010. It's for people who have migraines 15 or more days a month and who have not been helped by the daily preventative medications. Botox really helped me until this last time after 2 years, when it stopped working. Very unusual. Also I get nerve block and trigger point injections every 4 weeks which also greatly help me. Also, if your headaches aren't too terrible, then an anti-inflammation gel usually settles down mine. But it's by prescription.
Also you will need pain pills for when your headache gets terrible, but again, you can't take it more than twice a week.
Another thing which helps headaches which definately constricts the blood vessels is applying ice to the headache.
Biofeedback. My neurologist said it would not help me since my migraines are too severe. The last time I heard of a doctor recommending it, was one who didn't believe in pain medication. If you have one of those doctors, get another one ASAP.
Regarding memory, I did suffer from aphasia. I couldn't initially think of the simplest words and could barely talk. Plus I had trouble understanding others. Now I only have trouble not finding words occasionally which I always think is from my migraines, but my friends say that they have the same problem. We are all around 60 years old. My memory is quite good otherwise.
Let me know what your doctor has to say tomorrow. I hope that you get this before you go.
Sara
You should find out exactly why you can't be constricting your blood vessels. Everyone else is supposed to try daily medication to prevent their migraines. There are a whole bunch of different medications. It makes me suspicious of your doctors, unless there's something unusual about your particular kind of stroke. If your doctor can't give you a good answer about the blood constriction, find another doctor.
If in fact you can't take them because of your stroke, then you need other treatments. I could not tolerate any of the preventative migraine medications, but I did find an herbal one that did help me called Petadolex. Studies show that it reduces migraines by about 70%. Just go on-line to find it. But you should ask your doctors first. Plus it is manufactured in Germany where the government does evaluate all the herbals which otherwise often have toxins in them like lead.
If you really can't take any daily meds, then you should look into Botox injections which were approved for migraines in October 2010. It's for people who have migraines 15 or more days a month and who have not been helped by the daily preventative medications. Botox really helped me until this last time after 2 years, when it stopped working. Very unusual. Also I get nerve block and trigger point injections every 4 weeks which also greatly help me. Also, if your headaches aren't too terrible, then an anti-inflammation gel usually settles down mine. But it's by prescription.
Also you will need pain pills for when your headache gets terrible, but again, you can't take it more than twice a week.
Another thing which helps headaches which definately constricts the blood vessels is applying ice to the headache.
Biofeedback. My neurologist said it would not help me since my migraines are too severe. The last time I heard of a doctor recommending it, was one who didn't believe in pain medication. If you have one of those doctors, get another one ASAP.
Regarding memory, I did suffer from aphasia. I couldn't initially think of the simplest words and could barely talk. Plus I had trouble understanding others. Now I only have trouble not finding words occasionally which I always think is from my migraines, but my friends say that they have the same problem. We are all around 60 years old. My memory is quite good otherwise.
Let me know what your doctor has to say tomorrow. I hope that you get this before you go.
Sara
Thank you Sara, I go see the doctor tomorrow. I was put on two different migraine medicines a few months after the stroke. I then changed doctors and they took me off and didn't give me anything else saying that the migraine medicine constricted the blood vessels which is something that I should not be trying to do.
How do you cope with the migraines? I need to do something, I work and have a 3 year old and one year old. Have you ever heard of Bio Feedback for headaches? Did the stroke mess with your memory? I had a bad memory before but now I feel like it is worse.
Thanks for the help, Maggie
How do you cope with the migraines? I need to do something, I work and have a 3 year old and one year old. Have you ever heard of Bio Feedback for headaches? Did the stroke mess with your memory? I had a bad memory before but now I feel like it is worse.
Thanks for the help, Maggie
Hi, So sorry to hear about your severe headaches. Yes, strokes can cause severe migraines for even years later or the rest of your life. I've had migraines ever since my stroke almost 4 years ago. The facct that yours went away for awhile, I can't answer your prognosis. It does sound promising though.
You say nothing about what your doctor said to use. If you have the headaches more than 2x a week, then you need to try daily prophylactic preventative migraine medication. Because if you take ANY pain reliever more than 2x a week, it puts you into rebound headaches.
If the daily preventative med doesn't work, there are a lot of other treatments.
Let me know what is being done for you. The best to you.
Sara
You say nothing about what your doctor said to use. If you have the headaches more than 2x a week, then you need to try daily prophylactic preventative migraine medication. Because if you take ANY pain reliever more than 2x a week, it puts you into rebound headaches.
If the daily preventative med doesn't work, there are a lot of other treatments.
Let me know what is being done for you. The best to you.
Sara
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