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What about migraine & BP (bipolar disorder)?

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Migraine Headache
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Posted 10/2/2006 12:59 AM (GMT 0)

I am a migraine sufferer for what seems forever (I am 50 now and have lived with headaches since at least the age of 12).

The headaches were few and far between, then gradually became worse, hence my life living with migraines.  I lived out in Western Canada, and they had the horrible Chinook winds blowing through, and the temperature flucuations were incredible.  I suffered greatly, and they knew me in ER arriving so often for my pain shots.

Back in Eastern Canada, luckily my family doc put me on Verapamil which has been reasonably successful in staving off the migraines.  But still, when I get them they are doozies to say the least.  You know the ones (or maybe I'm the only one) where ice packs are traded throughout the night, head clutching, pain moves from one side to the other, goes to top, back and front of face?  Nothing helps, and off to the ER we go.

What I'm wondering though...is anyone living with both bipolar disorder & migraines.  My pdoc says he has many of his BP patients with migraine.

deblinden

Posted 10/2/2006 12:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi linden,

Welcome to Healing Well. I must confess personally I have not come across any connection or situation of associating bipolar with migraines, but I am no expert!! Hopefully there will be someone who can speak from experience that will come along.

You don't say clearly in your post but do you suffer with bilpolar disorder aswell? Keep us posted as to how you get on.

take care

Ann
Posted 10/3/2006 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
I have bipolar disorder and was diagnosed with complicated migraines today by my neuro even though I have no idea what they are. I am searching the internet for information right now. Just thought I''d say hi.

Stephanie
Posted 10/3/2006 3:30 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Linden,

I have been diagnosed with depression and migraines. From what I have learned they are related because both involve the same neurotransmitters in the brain. Increasing serontonin in my brain fixes my depression and helps my migraines. The challenge is that my doctors don't know if the migraines cause the depression or the depression causes the migraines. We haven't managed to cure either though my anti-depressant makes my depression manageable and gives me the strength to manage my migraines (which can occur daily). Though if you take an anti-depressant be careful if taking a triptan medication because serotonin syndrome can occur and that's not fun.

Nicky

Hi Stephanie,

Complicated migraines are migraines that are complicated by other symptoms such as prolonged auras, partial or complete paralysis of the nerves needed for eye movement, visual symptoms that occur from the retina as well as hemiplegic and basilar migraines. There is more information from the National Headache Foundation at http://www.headaches.org/consumer/topicsheets/complicatedmigrane.html.

 

Posted 10/3/2006 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
I have a history of migraines and bipolar that I've traced back to my great-grandmother. I recently lost my grandpa and found some papers on her. One of my aunts on the same side suffers from migraines that are as severe as mine (pretty D**m bad) and the other aunt, again from the same side, is extremely bipolar, schizophrenic. I'm definately convinced there is a heredity issue here, the same as any other disease, arthritis, cancer, heart problems etc. Just my opinion.

Posted 10/3/2006 12:02 PM (GMT 0)

So if I have numbness and pain in my legs as well as confusion at times and speech problems (just to name a few of the interestings symtoms) those are caused by migraines? I don't even remeber getting headaches when I go numb. They perscribed me something called neurontin as well as axert (which I cannot afford my insurance doesn't cover it). Well I'll go with it because its better then what I thought I had.

Stephanie

Posted 10/4/2006 10:10 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Stephanie,

Axert is a triptan to be used at the onset of a migraine. It stabilizes your blood vessels and can be very good at ending the migraine quickly. Other triptans are imitrex, zomig, amerge. These medications are extremely medication. Have you tried asking your doctor to write a letter saying axert is medically necessary to get insurance to pay or see if there is another triptan your insurance will pay for. These medications work with very little side effects.

Neurontin is an anti-epileptic that works well for pain. I used it and it worked well, I am now taking Topamax instead. This is a preventative medication that will hopefully prevent your migraines and your other symptoms.

Confusion and speech problems are likely associated with your migraines. I have never heard of numbness and pain in the legs, but that doesn't mean anything, I'm not a medical professional.  I only have my experience with migraines to go on.

Good luck. Hopefully Axert and Neurontin will help you minimize your pan and symptoms.

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