This post is sponsored by University Health.
Migraines have been part of my life since I was a teen. I remember taking a test in a ninth grade history class when suddenly the edges of the paper began to blur as the aura took over. Next came the searing pain that led to vomiting and a full day of misery.
I come from a long line of women suffering from migraines so we knew what was happening. In high school and college, I worked with my pediatrician and primary care doctor to try different preventative medications. They were managed to some degree, and I was able to reduce attacks by avoiding triggers like chocolate and alcohol. Other triggers, though, were unavoidable like a change in barometric pressure or hormones during my menstrual cycle.
But when I started getting pregnant and breastfeeding, the migraines began affecting my quality of life. I was getting 10 migraines a month, having to ration the eight pills of abortive meds (taken when a migraine attacks) that insurance allowed. I was missing out on enjoying my babies, often spending as much time as possible in quiet, dark rooms for relief. My primary care doctor referred me to a neurologist.
My neurologist, who I have seen for a decade, has been able to guide me through trying different classes of preventative meds, navigating insurance requirements and side effects. We have tinkered with combos of pills, supplements and non-pharmaceutical treatments like physical therapy. My definition of success was having eight or less migraines so I had enough meds to give me relief. She pushed me to hope for more than that.
I feel lucky that with new developments in migraine medications, I have found relief. Now, more than 25 years after migraines became part of my story, I only suffer from two attacks per month. I can even have chocolate or a glass of wine. But most importantly, I can enjoy my family and all that brings me joy. It was the decision to trust my care to my neurologist that changed everything for me.
When to See a Neurologist
If you suffer from migraines, here are some things to consider when it’s time to see a neurologist:
- Your pain impacts your life (cancelling appointments, missing events)
- You’re experiencing head pain more often than you used to
- You assume you have to live with the pain (recent medication advances might be able to help)
- If you experience any of the following symptoms with head pain:
- Persistently blurred, cloudy vision
- Weakness or numbness on one side of your body
- Extreme dizziness
- Uncontrollable vomiting
For additional information and to find a neurologist at the University of Health Headache Clinic, click here or call 816-307-3766.
