Migraine

[Diane H]

Hi.

After reading many of the other responses I can only consider myself lucky as I experience very little actual pain. I have had an ongoing "chronic migraine" since March 17th of this year. I woke up one morning with vertigo extreme light sensitivity, severe pressure around the head, heaviness in the head and very high blood pressure The migraine has occurred in waves/phases. In what I call Phase 5 - I cannot tolerate any light - this may last several days. My eyes just stay glued shut. In Phase 4 - I can tolerate small amounts of peripheral light but any direct light and my eyes will close. Phase 3 - There is an increase tolerance for indirect light - so that I can go into a room with dimly lit lights. Phase 2 - I can be exposed to direct light - e.g. supermarket with sunglasses and can drive during heavily cloudy days. Phase 1 - I imagine this will be when I can cope with most lights but residual heaviness/cloudiness in head. I briefly reached Stage 2 in April, but then the "migraine" returned with revenge. I have since then only been able to drive once. In my own home environment where there is minimal light I am generally OK - except for the significant cloudiness and heaviness - which fluctuates. But generally I am tied to the house.

I have had MRI, CT scan, lumbar puncture all which are clear. I have just ordered a pair of glasses to filter out certain wavelengths.

I would be really grateful to hear if anyone has had similar difficulties and if so if you have had any treatment which you have found effective. I have tried a range of anti-epileptic, anti-hypertensive and migraine medication with no effect. I am currently dependent on my parents to keep my family operating on a daily basis. Eliminating the whole migraine would be wonderful - but my first priority is to become functional - so that I can be independent.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks Diane.