Migraine

Anyone had success with indomethacin? I went to see a Neuro who was supposed to be a Headache Specialist--she wasn't--but she agreed to let me try indomethacin. It has brought me the first relief I have had in about 14 months of always having pain.
My understanding is that it only works on certain headaches. I guess since I am having a bit of success, I may have hemacrania continua. (I do have the symptoms)
I am not sure if I should be happy or not...
I can't get in to a real headache specialist until mid April so I am trying to educate myself in the meantime.

One of our forum hosts has had success with indomethacin. She is on a leave of abscence right now but did like the med.

Hi mom,

Hemicrania continua is a rare primary headache disorder. This means it is not caused by any other condition. Unfortunately there are no tests to determine if you have hemicrania conitnua. But a full medical workup should be done to rule out other conditions. If a patient has symptoms of hemicrania continua,and responds to indomethacin, it may be considered "diagnositc" if they find relief from it.

I hope you find that article helpful, let me know if you have more questions, ok?

Hi Nancy,
I have had a couple of MRI's and a brain CT and tried all kinds of Migraine preventatives and abortives (none worked). I have read a lot on the web about HC .
I have recently "fired" my Neuro and went to a new one that i was told by the scheduler was a headache specialist(she wasn't)--she had me give the indomethacin a chance. I don't see a Neuro for a month and so I am sort of in limbo with the indomethacin sort of working and not sure about what to think.
Thanks for your response.
Sarah

Indocin is my early intervention med and I like it. It helps me if I can take it soon enough although recently it hasn't been enough to stop the pain portion of the attack.

Hi Sarah,

My last doc (I fired her last year for a whole list of reasons) thought I could possibly have Hemicrania Continua. I had symptoms consistent with the diagnosis--one sided pain that was constant (with varying severity), tearing in my one eye, different pupil sizes, etc.

I tried the Indocin, though, and it had no effect for me. We decided it was just "regular" migraine with aura for me--no HC.

I was warned extensively about the Indocin, though. It's pretty rough on your belly! Be careful to take it with food and watch for any signs of stomach problems!

jenny

Okay, the indomethacin does not work for me. I was having a little relief but last night I started a fairly bad migraine attack after taking the indomethacin for 5 days. I'll see what my new neuro says next month.
Sarah

Is your Migraine pain different from your possible Hemicrania continua pain? HC pain is very different from Migraine pain....there may be two different type of head pain. But it may be helpful to distinguish the different pain, if applicable.

Nancy,
I never thought about having both Migraines and HC. I will have to so a good job documenting my pain until I see my new Neuro.
Thanks,
sarah

I didn't mean to give you more work, just want to get you feeling better !