Migraine

I get a headache that starts with tightness at the base of my skull in the back. The pain then travels up and around only one side of my head (my left). It finally rests behind my eye. It causes me to be nauseas and moving is not a good idea when it happens because it will cause a stabbing pain that feels like it's shooting from just above my eye and coming out right above my temple.

It happens for about 3 days before my period. I talked to my doctor about it and they told me it was related to PMS and to take some motrin or advil when it happens. I have been and while it takes some of the edge off it never really gets rid of it. The stabbing pain is still there and a dull ache subsists. I'm also worried I'm going to kill my liver because I take 3-4 advil every 4 hours until it finally goes away. Has anyone had anything similar? Does anyone have any advice for bringing this up with my doctor again?

Thanks,

Kristin

First Welcome,

I've had migraines the better part of my life, many of them associatated with my periods and now menopauase. It's not uncommon for migraines to be associated with hormonal changes. I'm not a doctor, I can't diagnosis you. But I can provide you with information from the site to help educate you and better deal with your doctor.

First is some information on diagnosising headaches

Anatomy of a Migraine

Types of Migraines and Headaches

Medications used for migraine treatment

I know this is alot of information. The types of migraines and headaches and their treatment vary greatly. After reading some of this information you may find the doctor you are seeing is not the best suited for treating you. There are doctors who specialize in treating migraines Migraine Specialist.

Please let us know if there are others ways we can help or support you.

Cindy

Hi Kristin and welcome to the forum!
What you describe sounds very typical of a migraine, though Im no dr, and cant give medical advice! It is very common to get migraines around the menstral time. I have horrible week long ones.

Do you notice these types of headaches any other time other than that time of month?
I know some of our wonderful forum hosts will be along to give you more links, butHERE is a link to some info about migraines to get you started!

As far as talking to your Dr, HERE is some info about having a successful Dr. appt. If your doctor isnt willing to listen though, it may be time for a new one!

Welcome again to the forum! Glad your here and hope you get the answers and support you need. Do keep us posted!

Tawsha

Well, first off WELCOME!

It really does sound like a migraine. Menstrual migraines are really common.

Truth is, Advil and other OTC's aren't really good to take because they can cause rebound headaches, and they don't really treat the migriane itself, they just mask the pain.

Definately bring it up with your doctor again. I would say if he tells you to keep with the OTC's or prescribes a stronger painkiller, it might be time to see a neurologist who can better evaluate your symptoms and prescribe more effective medication, like a triptan.

Hi Kristin and welcome to the forum family

Cindy and Tawsha gave you some great links to help get you started, thanks ladies!!

I'll just add a couple more and also reiterate seeing a doctor who specializes in migraines/headaches (the link Cindy gave you). If you do have migraines they can prescribe an abortive medication to treat it. See this article:

Preventative, Abortive and Rescue Medications-What's the Difference?

Many of us use a migraine diary to track triggers, the effectiveness of medications and any patterns to our migraines. I use this downloadable diary and bring it to my doctor's appointments for their review.

Something to keep in mind is the risk of Medication Overuse Headache (rebound) which can be caused by taking over-the-counter medications, pain medications and triptans.

Another helpful article is:

Learning About Migraines-Where to Start

Again, welcome! I look forward to seeing you around the forum