I used to get horrible migraines that would blind me. I had an episode once that resembled a stroke (slurred speech, inability to walk, drooping left side of face) and the doctors said it was a really bad migraine. I was told at that time that I should try to get the migraine cycle stopped so as to avoid having another "episode." They put me on gabapentin for migraine prevention, but I don't recommend it. I had a horrible time coming off of it and it made me quite spacy. There are other meds. They had just given me that because I didn't have insurance at the time and couldn't afford the other meds. Peppermint helps some and my friend gave me essential oil of oregano as well for that. Track them to see if they have any hormonal connection. Mine would come the worst when I had my period or was ovulating. I am sending you prayers for healing like a calming stream flowing over your head. Many blessing to you.

Thanks, triunfadora. Peppermint oil is my most consistent remedy. The idea of a preventative might be the best idea at this point. It's the only thing that I haven't tried. I hate to add yet another pill to my regimen, but I think I hate the migraines more. ha. Thanks for the prayers and feedback!

Avoiding toxins and drinking cocoa daily has worked wonders for mine.

I can definitely get behind the cocoa idea. I should probably examine the toxin issue. Thanks.

I use Capsicum. In herbal manuals, that's what they call it, but it's just hot chili pepper. Capsicum is the genus of peppers.

Bell peppers don't work, it has to be the hot ones for medicinal use. They've been used medicinally for thousands and thousands of years.

If you're not used to them, they can be hard to deal with. Just putting them in food, like a soup or stir fry will work. I take out the seeds, chop them up, and add them to food. I also eat them as a garnish with my meals. It takes a little while to work sometimes, maybe a half hour at most. They work for sinus trouble too.

If you get too much of a chili pepper, don't drink water...that makes it worse. Take something with protein in it, like soy milk or dairy. It tames the pungency somehow. Or just wait a few minutes, the burning sensation is temporary.

I never heard of using Capsaicin for migraines, but I had heard of it being used for other types of pain. I could go for that since my hubby is Mexican. You're right on about the water thing. Water only spreads the heat around worse. At least if your mouth is burning, it will take your mind off the migraine :).

I suffered for years with migraines and sinus headaches.double whammies..i also had high blood pressure.So my drs switched around my medicines a couple of times
Well when they put me on norvasc 10 mgs a day.My headaches went from 90% to maybe 10%.A dramatic difference.i later learned that norvasc can be used in the treatment of headaches and is a calcium channel blocker.It works by relaxing and dialating your blood vessels.so if u have high blood pressure,than this drug might really help you.If u have low blood pressure,than u probabaly couldnt take it as it would lower it to much.

migraines here, too...ocular and migraine with aura - So light sensitive.
I've found that when my usual excedrin doesn't help or I don't have one handy that downing about 8 oz of pepsi kicks it down a good notch. Also, eating salsa by the spoonful (there's that capcaisin I guess). If I'm at home I have a cup of suisse mocha international coffee and close my eyes.
All of this helps some but mostly just gentles it a bit, it's still a matter of waiting it out.
Thanks to triunfadora for mentioning gabapentin. Neuro gave me topamax which was horrible on my gastritis and I was going to ask for gabapentin next, but now I won't.
I wonder if anyone has tried low dose naltrexone???
Oh, and I'm also wondering if the peppermint oil users have tried peppermint tea and if it helps as well. Now that you've mentioned it I'll try it next headache. None today, it's blessedly rainy!

Richie-I had no idea capsaicum worked for migraines. I am totally going to try that because I LOVE me some HOT FOOD! Does it need to be red peppers (cayenne) or will jalepenos do?

triunfadora-LOL same logic as lemons during pregnancy. Your body can't get nauseated if it's busy getting soured. lol

autumn-thanks for the thoughts on the norvasc. Sadly, I have low enough blood pressure that I get dizzy standing up half the time. It ranges around 95/65-115/75 depending on my stress.

Nina- I find that peppermint tea helps to calm my migraines down a bit. I tend to use the oil instead, though, 'cause I"m in a hurry and tea takes time to drink! lol I use the oil in kind of a compress. Cold wet wash cloth (damp, not dripping), add two drops of oil. Then lay on the forehead and lay still. The sleeping it off never worked for me. If I got to bed with a migraine, I wake with a migraine.
Thanks for all the wonderful ideas. I'm definitely going to use the hot peppers. Salsa is, after all, like a main food group for me. lol I think it might be time to make a pot of chili again. :)

I have tried so many meds. Cambria is the one that's worked best for me. I swear it's got to have peppermint in it b/c it tastes like a freakin' altoid! Sadly, it quit working after about three months. I am still thinking of trying it again, though.
Have a great weekend!

Salsa is full of iron so if that works for you maybe try other iron rich foods. Low iron can give u headaches...as can low magnesium. I wouldn't take iron pills though...just good iron rich foods.

Great thought, Lupin! Thanks!