Migraine Headaches Support Group

Migraine is a neurological disease, of which the most common symptom is an intense and disabling episodic headache. Migraine headaches are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head and are often accompanied by photophobia (hypersensitivity to light), phonophobia (hypersensitivity to sound) and nausea.

1,556 Members
3,347 Posts
0 Online
Brain & Nervous System
/ Migraine Headaches Support Group

Headache clinics

casamom
casamom
Hey all. I need some help/advice/opinions. I'm at my wits end with these migraines. They just seem to be getting worse and I'm having only a few pain free days a month now...I'm sure you understand. My neurologist has nothing more to offer, the hematologist I was sent to because of the MTHFR gene was pretty much useless I'm sorry to say...regardless, I'm already on the treatment for it which is folic acid and baby aspirin. My whole point is that I need to know from anyone who has been to a clinic if it's even worth pursuing. Thanks in advance for any info.
YvetteK
YvetteK
Yes!!!! I can't emphasize enough how much more a headache center/clinic can do for you as opposed to just a regular neurologist. When any doctor tells you they are out of options, or you as a patient feel as though you don't have any more options with this doctor, it's time to find a new one anyway. There ARE always other treatments out there.
In general, doctors in headache clinics know more, know about more treatments, engage in trials, and are willing to try treatments that regular neurologists just wouldn't.
Do your research on what headache clinics are around you, and definitely make an appointment. But be aware that it might take a few months to get in. But it IS worth it.

Good Luck!
casamom
casamom
Thanks for your reply. I will begin searching...I'm thinking it will probably be Chicago. I'm assuming you go to one?
YvetteK
YvetteK
Yes, I go to the Jefferson Headache Center in Philadelphia. Been there since 2006. I love my doctor there. It would seem he has tried every option under the sun for me, but there is always something else. Always!
daninflorida
daninflorida
Earlier in the year I was going to the Migraine Clinic at Tampa General Hospital and for the first time in years was seeing improvement but the last doctor there who took my insurance left. United Health Care sucks!
casamom
casamom
Is that the government insurance Dan? Because that's what I have.
daninflorida
daninflorida
What I have now is the AARP United Health Care. It's surprisingly limited in providers, especially experienced ones or ones with large practices. The Tampa General clinic stresses the issue of rebound headaches and they have a two-week class or program to clean you off of the meds.
casamom
casamom
They made you get off all your migraine meds?
YvetteK
YvetteK
@casa- once you get stuck in a rebound cycle, the only way to break it is to get off of your migraine meds. Not your preventatives, but your painkillers and rescue meds. I know that sounds scary, and the thought of not having something there for the pain just sounds crazy, but the medicine is what is causing the pain to come back day after day after day, and it's coming back worse and worse.