Am I suffering from migraines?

I've had extreme headaches/migraines for the past 3-4 years, starting when I was 18, I usually am out of it for a day or two with crippling pain in the front area of the brain, above the eyes. It can sometimes last a week or two in extreme cases but usually subsides with a bit of sleep. They usually occur two-three times a month. I have been given sumatriptan in the past, among some other treatments which didn't work too well, as well as usually just given morphene or pethadine when admitted to hospital. Prior to most attacks I've noticed a certain absent mindedness and will run red lights or not see certain things which would otherwise be blatantly obvious.
I've found that most treatments won't work too well, and I'll just need something to stop me vomiting and put me to sleep. I'm not sure if it's chronic sinusitis, as I have been reading about most migraine attacks and they seem to note that they are in one hemisphere of the brain, or on the one side of the head, my pain is experienced in the front region of the head, which is typical of most sinus headaches. If I have an attack though, the pain exceeds anything I have experienced from breaking bones to being smashed on the head with a brick (actually happened :S). I have had family members who've had migraines too, which also points to it being a migraine.
I'm basically asking for help as to whether or not you'd know if it would be a migraine for certain or a case of chronic sinusitus. I know it would be hard to say for certain, but all neurologists and doctors I have been to so far have been absolutely no help.

Hi Jack,

Welcome to Healing Well. It sounds like migraine to me but I am not a doctor and have no medical training so this is only my opinion! You could also have some sinusitis too I am unsure. You seem to have an aura (warning of attack coming) before the pain starts with distorted vision so you run red lights etc., so that would point to migraine.

You have not said what the Neuro has done or said other than they are no help, and am concerned that you are having drugs like morphine and pethadin so early in your life, and would be interested in what the Neuro has done! I do not doubt the pain is awful for a minute, and am sorry you are suffering with this.

As far as contact lenses go I am unable to make a comment and hope that others will be along to give their view. Keep us posted as to how you get on.

take care Ann