Treating Migraines with Oxygen as a rescue

My 15 year old daughter has been suffering with migraines since she was 6.
We have tried a multitude of prophylactic and rescue medications with no relief. Her main trigger is low Barometric pressure. We have also been to:

Family Physician
Pediatric Neurologist
Chiropractor
Accu pressure (Jin Shin Jyutsu)
Allergist
Optometrist
Complete Blood Work
Food Sensitivity Blood Work
Elimination Diet
MRI
CAT Scan
We are now looking into using oxygen as a rescue. I have recently read there has been relief for some migraine sufferers using oxygen. Does anyone know the protocol for oxygen therapy? Any suggestions will be welcome. Thank you, Coconut Bear

Hi Coconut bear,

Welcome to Healing well. I use oxygen for Hemicrania Continua and Migraine. It is more helpful for HC than Migraine, but my migraines do respond to it!!

The rule of thumb for oxygen use is a high flow of 15 litres per minute with a non-rebreather mask. For Cluster Headache the recommendation is to go on the oxygen until the pain has gone and then stay on it for a further 5 to 10 minutes to mop up the attack. This is done to prevent rebound attacks half an hour or an hour later.

For other headaches, half an hour usually does it. If after 30 minutes there is no response stop and try again later giving it a good hour or so in between.

With Migraine, Cluster Headache and others the oxygen can stop working for a time, but keep trying and one day it will work again! Remember everyone is different and will have a different level of response.

Hope this helps, take care

Ann

P.S.  The best thing you can do is get yourself to a Neurologist who is a Headache Specialist, even if you have to travel it will be well worth it!  I did, and it was the best thing I ever did!!!

Coconut Bear,

I feel for your daughter. I too suffer from Migraines and the change in the weather / pressure does seem to be one of my triggers as well. I thought I would pass along what helped me the most. I live in Houston and stumbled onto a Dr. Kevin Smith (http://www.smithctr.com/headache_diaog_treatment.html). They featured him on the news one evening about 6-7 years ago as an ENT doctor / cosmetic surgeon by trade, but a main focus of his practice is helping folks with Migraine / Chronic headaches. I mentioned it to a co-worker in passing one day and he told me that he used to have unbearable Migraines several times a week (just like me) and that Dr. Smith fixed his deviated septum & removed some bone spurs. Since then he had only had one migraine. He was insisted that I go see him. At that point I had tried just about every fast acting drug to treat them (imitrex shots, zomig, relpax, pain medications). I was down with a Migraine 6-12 hours 2-3 times a week. Very depressing and stressful when you're trying to make a living and missing work that much. Anyhow, I finally went to Dr. Smith and he sent me for a CAT scan or MRI (I don't remember) but I remember the visit when we looked at the images. He showed me how my septum was deviated and several bone spurs that he believed could be triggering my Migraines. He said he believed he could help me, and that if he couldn't make them go away all together that he believed he could at least lessen them. Well, with an offer like that, I went for it. I had the surgery. He was a wonderful surgeon by the way, everyone I talk to always says that is one of the worst surgeries you can have because they pack your nose with gause and you have black eyes afterward. I didn't have any of that. It's been about 6 years now and I still DO have Migraines. But they are once in a blue moon and the intensity is a FRACTION of what they once were. As an attempt to take them down further I to started Topamax about 3 years ago. I take 75mg at bedtime every day. I was able to tell a difference in the frequency about 3 months into the Topamax. Just be aware that the Topamax can make greatly lessen her appetite and weight loss is a possibility. I did loose weight for about the first year. Between the two, that is what has worked the best for me. I stumbled onto this post looking for what others are saying about the oxygen treatment. As you know, it's a never ending qwest to reduce the frequency and intensity any way you can. As for Dr. Kevin Smith, he absolutely changed my life! No, I'm not an employee, paid spokes person, or lobbyist for him, he did miracles for me, I know how it feels, and I would love others to have the same relief. Either way, maybe there is a doctor in your area that does something similar if you're not close to Houston.

Scott

Coconut Bear,

No problem at all. I completely understand the side affects of the Topamax too. uuuuggg! Between the constant tingling in my limbs, the change in my taste of foods and drinks, hot flashes, sweats, & others it was really nasty. But rest assured, once she gets to a steady dose and stays there for a while, the side affects should start to fade away. Once I made it to 75mg and was stationary for about a year, I noticed the tingling cease and my taste in foods/drinks returned some time after that. However, everyone is different so she may adjust quicker than me. Another thing that I remembered the Dr. saying when we were talking, he noticed a common trend women on the whole nose, septum, bone spur thing. He mentioned that most of the women he treated said they saw an increase in their migraines around their cycle time. He said it's due to the increase of fluid that is retained in the body. It puts additional pressure on the nerves and triggers more migraines than usual. I may have gotten it a bit wrong, but I believe I got the gist of what he was saying. For what it's worth...

Scott

I place the nasal canula directly in my mouth and control the valve by hand, one deep breath at a time, breathing only oxygen from the tank. Seems to offer significant relief.

Cocount Bear - I applaud you for all the support you are giving your daughter, in trying to find relief for her pain! Please don't stop, I wish my parents had taken me to doctors. Since I see how thorough you are, I just want to share my experience in case it helps you think of anything else to try.

I've had migraines for the past 18yrs, since puberty. I remember walking home from school, barely getting in the door and collapsing into bed for the rest of the evening/night. Back then all I knew to do was take aspirin and keep icing my head. I assumed my migraines were due to all the exhaust I inhaled while crossing Dixie Hwy on my walk home. (In retrospect, I sure wish it had been that simple!)

I have always needed zero light/sound/smells/movements, and my pain was always explosive or stabbing. I usually start out with sensitivity to light, or I start seeing some blotches, or I might even start talking a bit confused or slurring my speech, or I notice myself start rubbing my brow - that's my first clue. It starts in the brow, bridge of my nose, eye sockets... spreads it's way to my forehead and temples - usually one side, and it often switches sides throughout the attack. I usually feel nauseous but only vomit occasionally. And of course once it is over I am usually exhausted and excited all at once!... and hungry! LOL.

Once I was 18 I started getting MRI's done. They found a cyst near my pituitary gland and I was all excited (thinking they found the cause!) but they said "eh, it's not on the brain so it's not causing it" and that's the same thing they (several neurologists) have been saying ever since. Let me also say, that I have never had regular cycles since puberty, either (I doubt that has anything to do with your daughter since she started migraines much earlier than puberty, but just saying - hormones can be a delicate thing). My doctors always shoved me on birth control since I was 15 years old. I always got tired of it and stopped taking it, mostly bc I was afraid my body would "get used" to it and give me fertility issues. (Having 3-4 periods a year meant I already had fertility issues anyway LOL).

In my 20's I tried Imitrex (did nothing for me), MaxAlt (I liked it), and I tried Zomig just once (it didn't work, and I figured it might be potent so I didn't take anything else... I was afraid to "waste time" trying it ever again bc I was afraid it wouldn't be effectve - again). I also took Ketorolac which I think helped but can't recall. I also took leftover hydrocodone (leftover from when my wisdom teeth were cut out) because I remembered it helped knock me out and I just really hoped to sleep off the migraine. When I was 27 I saw a wonderful Reproductive Endocrinologist who finally told me why I had all kinds of cycle problems - I had PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. My testosterone was way high, and several other hormones were very out of whack. My body had no intentions of doing more cycles than 3 or 4 a year (each would be 3 weeks of horrendous hemmoraging, and I was anemic as a result, had to get daily injections of liquid iron in late teens, early 20's). I fear I would've gone into early menopause! Anyway this doctor showed me how my ovaries were full of cysts (from eggs that didn't quite release and would build up on the ovaries - hence no periods for quite a while). He convinced me to do birth control for 2-3 months just one more time, to force cycles and clear out those ovaries as much as possible. I also was prescribed Metformin (interesting since that is mainly a diabetic drug, because both side of my family have history of diabetes). Then he did Ovarian Drilling - lasered several holes into each ovary. The ovaries had each been as big as my uterus, so this introduced them to a state of trauma which made them heal into a normal state. Then I got pregant 6 months later :) Anyway, my hormone levels were much better after the surgery, so I was hoping as a bonus that this would have a positive effect on my migraine frequency. Nope   So that's why I'm throwing that story out there, just in case your daughter has any similar girly issues. Sometimes doctors would tell me my migraines were all in my head (ha!) and that they were probably just aligned with my cycles - I'd get so angry and inform them that I only had 3-4 cycles per year, and sure wish the migraines only came 3-4 times a year!

For about a year prior to pregnancy I had been taking Fioricet (generic is Butal) for my migraines. It is a acetaminophen/caffeine/butal mix. Acetaminophen does nothing for me   but something about the caffeine/butal seems to help. (I recently found out about Fiorinal which has aspirin instead of acetaminophen - sure wish I had known that before, I would've taken it prior to pregnancy). I was allowed to keep taking Fioricet during pregnancy and nursing. I gave birth and then nursed for 11 months and got pregnant again. I sure do miss the option of aspirin (Excedrin Migraine used to be my best friend, and will be again one day). I've been to the hospital 3 times. All they do is give me Tylenol and an IV drip. I DO think the IV drip helps, probably for hydration, but I'm shocked that's all that they can do. The last time, during the nursing months, they offered a compazine injection. I had read some people say it helped them but some complained that it made them feel crazy. I asked the staff if it would make me feel crazy, and they replied "probably" so I turned down the offer. Also during nursing, a Neurologist prescribed a daily maintenance Nortriptyline. I picked it up, but after reading the pharmacy pamphlet I opted not to take any of it. More people reviewed on it about how they feel crazy if they don't take it (apparently it needs weaned off of, cannot stop it cold turkey).

My Neurologist told me I am a candidate for Botox, which the FDA approved a couple years ago for purpose of migraines (so, insurance covers it). I have to wait till I'm done nursing after this pregnancy, so I still have another 1.5yrs. But I look forward to trying it, as it gives 3-4 months of relief. I'd still like to know the underlying cause though. I asked a different Neurologist about PFO - a hole in the heart, which I read allows blood clots to slip through and causes migraines. After reading about PFO I was sooo convinced that I had it! He thought it was all a bunch of hooplah that hadn't been throughly verfied yet. Ugh! Sometimes I feel like they don't even try to look and see if you have the very thing you are asking about. I'd also like them to remove that cyst near my pituitary gland, as it'd just be nice for them to rule it out completely. It doesn't need to be there anyway, it potentially could've caused my hormone issues. Afterall, they did prescribe me Bromocryptine at one point, to shrink the cyst. I've also read about some doctors claiming that some people's nasal/sinus structure can cause migraines, and that slight adjustment of the structure can greatly reduce migraines as a result. I might look into that, just to rule it out, too. People with migraines know, that we will do just about anything to rule out a possible cause, or that might provide any kind of relief!

I know this was a long post - sorry, but I just wanted to spill out my whole story to you, just in case your daughter has any similar issues. I wish you all the best. It's no fun... especially when you are taking meds at least 3 times a week because of them, and then having phases where you get them daily sometimes for 2 days at a time! (I was soooo scared that I would get one on my wedding day... as it turns out, it came the day after - in full force, vomitting and all. It was incredible pain. I am SO thankful that it didn't happen one day sooner, as I would've eeked out my vows and then crawled into the hotel bed while the guests enjoyed the reception. Whew that was a close call!).

first of all i am so sorry to hear about your child's troubles and at such a young age. over ten years ago my migraines become daily and very severe. you name it i have tried it. eventually i learned to manage my migraines without daily pain killers and was able to return to a normal working life. my struggles have led me to pursue a PhD is psychology specializing in pain management. Now before you try anything from what i am about to suggest please speak to your family and/or headache specialist first. From what i have learned and studied the following treatments can help. Now lets look at prevention first:

prevention methods:

drinking lots of water at least 6 to 8 cups per day

staying away from all non-organic meats

staying away from sandwich meats, chocolate, red wine, processed foods, dairy, and wheat products

take 150 to 200mg daily of q10 - if u live in the usa studies have shown that vita land wafers are the best brand, however, if u live in cnd Sisu seems to work - now this is an adult dose - check to see what is right for a child

take Magnesium 800mg with 4000 units of D3 daily- check to see what is right for a child

take high levels of B12 and B6 - i take 15,000mcg of B12 daily but talk to your dr first. - check to see what is right for a child

acupuncture with needles - now there is a special kind of treatment for migraines triggers due to temp / climate changes. you must complete all ten treatments that start with 3 times per wk, 2 times per wk and once a a wk until the ten treatments are done. i would suggest wkly treatments as well after the 1st 10. some people notice that after their 1st couple of treatments the pain is worst but don't give up it does get better.

botox- now this is an expensive option so make sure you are covered for it first. Neurologist normally only do this treatment if you surfer from more then 15 migraines per month. For most people one bottle does not work. studies have shown that 2 bottles work. the treatment last 3mos but the more often you do it the less you have to. it is about $1000 per treatment but i works - the next option is a mini brow lift - it works bc they cut certain nerves and muscle that are involved in a migraine. this option is open to those in the USA but in Cnd you have to pay for it as it is considered experimental

yoga and mediation - see Jon Kabta Zin http://www.mindfulnesscds.com/books.html#catastrophe

lastly sleep is very important

acute care:

drink a bunch of water first and wait 20 mins - i once drank 8 cups and within 20mins the migraine was gone.

painkilers, migraine med's like Axert ect..., very high doses of prednisone (if migraine is lasting for more than 2 days - can be taken only once a month) for me these are my last options - if water, oxygen and self hypnosis has failed i turn to these.

self hypnosis - works wonders if u are at a 5 and/or under on the pain scale - now this must be taught by a pain psychologist and it must be practiced frequently at no or reduced pain levels. this is bc when u are in real pain it is very hard to focus. The more you do it the easier it is to complete at higher pain levels

at home oxygen treatment - i know your child did not like it but oxygen should not have produced those symptoms - it sounds to me like they are migraine related and/or the oxygen was set at the wrong level. You want medical grade oxygen and just like botox your insurance should cover it if all other treatments have failed. A face mask is better than the nasal prongs. if using the face mask it must be set at a level 6 or higher or it can produce carbon monoxide poisoning. for me i start at with the face mask at 8 for 15mins then switch it 6 until the pain levels start to reduce this normally takes 30 to 40 mins for me than i switch to the nasal prongs at a 3 setting for another hour or until the pain level is at a 2 of 3.

I hope this helps

Dear Delta Force,

Thank so much for your input. It is always great to learn what works for others. Thank you for clearly stating as I did over and over again to speak to your doctor FIRST for approval and correct dosages. That is very important! Everyone's situation is different; therefore, only your family doctor knows you well enough to give you the ok. Just bc it is natural DOES NOT mean it is safe for you nor does it mean if someone else can handle a dose that one should assume you can too. ALWAYS talk to your doctor first!

I just want to clarify some of my points.

Yes, you are right 800 mg of Mg can cause the runs; nevertheless, I have found that it depends on the brand name. I have found the more expensive ones usually do not cause this problem. Another solution to Mg runs is taking it with D3. Now depending on your doctor some will start out with 400mg of Mg and others will start you at 800mg of Mg.
Here is a link about Mg where it talks about the starting dosage but make sure to talk to your dr FIRST before taking anything:
http://www.migrainesurvival.com/should-you-be-taking-magnesium


As for taking 4000iu daily of D3 - Sick Kids hospital in TO CND has done numerous studies on children and pregnant women taking massive amounts of D3 . In some of these studies they were taking much bigger dosage than 4000iu without complications. Yet once again make sure to talk to your dr FIRST before taking anything. Please see the below links:

"But their recommendation that pregnant women should take 4,000 international units of vitamin D daily -- at least 10 times the standard recommended amount -- is sure to generate controversy." & "The study's important to show that it doesn't cause side-effects":
http://www.ctvnews.ca/studies-high-dose-vitamin-d-safe-during-pregnancy-1.508314


"Safety research supports an upper limit of a dose of vitamin D to be more than or equal to 250 micrograms daily (10,000 IU of vitamin D3)". :
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind/DSECTION=dosing


"“the majority of Americans and Canadians are receiving adequate amounts of … vitamin D” and that no one should take more than 4000 IU a day"
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/new-recommendations-for-calcium-and-vitamin-d-intake/

B12 15,000mcg is a slow release dosage; therefore, it sounds much bigger than it is. According to my medical team this is a safe dose for me but one should always check with family doctor to find out if it is safe for them. here is an excerpt for the below link:http://www.cfids.org/archives/1999/1999-6-article03.asp

"Toxicity and adverse effects
Toxicity or "poisoning" from cyanocobalamin, a form of B-12 that is combined with very small amounts of cyanide, has been the major cause of patient concern about high-dose B-12 therapy. I have not encountered any evidence of cyanide toxicity. The amount of cyanide administered is so minuscule that it affords a wide margin of safety even at doses of 15,000 mcg per week. Although this dose may seem inordinately large, medical textbooks have long recommended doses of 1000 mcg per day (or 7000 mcg per week) for the treatment of nerve problems due to B-12 deficiency. The only exception is in individuals with kidney failure.7 In patients with normal B-12 levels and intact kidney function, excess cyanide and B-12 are simply excreted through the urine.
I have recommended high-dose B-12 to thousands of patients over the past 10 years and have seen no serious adverse effects."

Just to clarify to everyone, these links DOES NOT give anyone the okay to start these natural treatment without talking to your dr. first. You MUST discuss this with your doctor to make sure it make sense for you to take these dosage.

In Canada you need a doctors note which basically states you need oxygen to treat cluster like headaches and/or migraines as this will allow your extended health to cover the cost. My extended healthcare actually requested more proof from my specialists that other mainstream treatment options failed and this was my only hope. Once you have a Dr. note then you submit it to both your insurance company and the oxygen supplier. You will need to get a quote from the oxygen company and submit it for approval to your insurance company or you can pay for the equipment yourself. I use Medpro http://www.medprorespiratory.com/

You will want the biggest tank which i believe is tank-E. I use the face mask instead of prongs though I have both. To use the face mask the tank must be running at 6 or higher which means that the tank will last you about 2 hrs. This is normally enough to decrease the pain to a level I can handle. You can have as many tanks as you need. I normally get 3 to 6 a month.

To buy everything it cost about $300 and $25 per refill or you can rent everything. The tanks are deliver to your door as requested.

I hope this helps.

talk to the companies that supply the oxygen. As far as i am concerned the oxygen that I use is medical grade oxygen (same as in the hospital); however, i could be wrong. According to the tag on the tank it contains 25cu ft and oxygen usp > 99.2% which means it is medical grade oxygen.

Please note that colour-coding for tanks are different in other countries. For example: where I live the tank is silver with a white top and it is still medical grade.