Migraine

I've been seeing a neurologist for nearly 2 years who isn't willing to consider other options than 200 mgs of inderal which has reduced the severity and duration but I'm still getting at least 5 per month plus the predrome fatigue, brain fog etc. So I'm wanting to discuss other treatment options (I've only ever tried inderal, endep and metropolol inderal being the most effective of those 3).

So I'm wanting to discuss other treatment options with my GP and if she has no ideas or is not willing to offer other treatment (many Australian Gp's don't believe in migraine treatment but I don't know where the current one stands on that) nor refer me to a new neuro.

Any ideas of the best way to approach this topic.

Thanks DJ

Oh, gosh - I don't know of any docs in Australlia, but if you could find another neuro or Migraine specialist, that would probably be your best bet.

I understand if your GP is willing to help you, but I know for me, I would want my doctor to have some knowledge on the condition they are treating me for.

That being said, I know there may be a wait while finding a new doctor and actually getting an appointment. Your GP is a good alternative during this time, if you are getting nowhere with your neuro.

As for ideas on how to talk to your GP - I personally have found that the doctors I've seen for Migraine, other than my specialist, only know of the 4 drugs that have been approved for Migraine treatment. Therefore, maybe bringing in a copy of Migraine Preventive Medications: Too Many to Give Up! - I know this has been helpful for me, but I also know medications may go under different names in AU. Also, maybe the Preventive, Abortive and Rescue Medication: What's the Difference? - more for the doctors referance than yours.

That's about all I can think of right this second.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Hi Eileen

Thanks for that. I had made an appointment to see the GP early August and wrote to the first neurologist that treated me in 2002 asking him to recommend some others.

I feel that at this stage a proactive GP knowledgeable on a few treatments could treat them without needing another neurologist quickly. The only reason why I still have such problems is not being able to get access to treatment so I haven't even exhausted the 4 main approved ones you talk about. So giving this GP a chance and seeing if she is happy to trial some treatments.

If the GP isn't happy to treat I'll ask why as it's good to get insight on the general reluctance to treat issue.

Cheers for now DJ

Hi DJ,

Some GP's just feel out of their element when treating difficult Migraineurs. GP's take care of lots of people with lots of different conditions - they are like the captain of the ship - making sure everything is in order. The chef in the kithen cooks, the sailors sail and so on. A Migraine specialist treats one condition - ours - Migraines and headaches. Maybe that is why he is reluctant to treat you.

Just my two cents....

Yes I have no problem with GP's feeling they are best treated by a migraine specialist/neurologist. The main problem is the belief of GP's that migraine does not need treating and thus they won't make the referrals. But I'll see how I go chatting to this one when I go early August.

Hi DJ

Let us know how it goes, ok?