Migraine

I have been a classic migraine sufferer for about 12 years. I am triptan user (and fan) and use it at the first sign of aura. If I do, I can usually abort the migraine pretty well. My regimen consists of the triptan, a high dose of pain releif and an anti-nausea medication (this just knocks me out, which I am grateful for).

Yesterday, I went to my neurologist for a refill. While writing my prescription she asked me if I needed a refill on the pain medication. I told her I had some left and since I squirrel them away for migraines only, I should be okay for a few more weeks.

At that point I told her that I did use one pill for a headache that seemed to come from nowhere and was unbearably painful. She asked if I thought it could be a migraine. I said 'No, it couldn't be since there was no aura and no numbness in my hands and face like I get with my migraines'. She said this might be a 'mini migraine' (sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it?)and it is possible to suffer with classic migraines and also a migraine without the aura as well.

Eureka! This would explain some of the headaches I have had that lasted for a few days. If they are migraines then I'm not treating them right. I was using a simple over the counter ibuprofen! No wonder it wasn't working. My question is 'Is it possible to suffer with both, a migraine with and without an aura (and the other symptoms too)?

I have migraine without aura, but apparently most people that have migraine with aura sometimes have a migraine without aura.

I've never heard migraine without aura called a mini-migraine, though--I'm not sure whether to be insulted!

I did have an aura one time, just shortly after I was diagnosed. I wondered why I had flashing lights in my room, until my head started hurting! The aura has never returned.

Uh, no Louan. You neuro is mistaken on this one.....You either have a Migraine or don't. "Mini-Migriane" is not a real diagnosis.

You can have a Migraine attack without aura, Migraine with aura and even Acephalgic or Silent Migraine. There are many types of Migraines you can see by clicking HERE

I hope this helps.

From my experience you have a migraine with a range from no pain to acute pain. The aura is a seperate matter altogether, there can be an extensive aura with very little pain, or no noticable aura at all with acute pain. Luck of the draw I guess.

Huh? Mini migraine? That doesn't even sound like an intelligent answer for a doctor to give!

It is true that you can have a mix of migraines with and without aura, but that's what you'd call them, not mini migraines. Sheesh!

Mini Migraines, thats news too me. I never heard that before and coming from a doctor still news. In the meantime I would dismiss this until its further studied

As for getting auras sometimes I do and don't.

Loulan,

If your doctor is still using the term "classic Migraine," she's years behind. Classic Migraine has been termed "Migraine with aura" for years now.

Actually, it's rare for a Migraineur to have aura with every Migraine. Most people who are diagnosed with Migraine with aura are also diagnosed with Migraine without aura (previously called common Migraine).

When you have these other "headaches," do you have other symptoms? Photophobia, phonophobia, nausea? One good test is to sit down and put your head between your knees. Migraine pain is usually intensified when yo do that. Headache pain is not.

Hope this helps!

Can I trade my major migraines for mini-migraines?

lol w/medieval writer.

yes, please! i could stand to change in my migraines as well for some mini ones.

Good to know guys, thanks! I feel like I have been 'educating' my neuro for years. I am usually the one to suggest a new medicine or something I have read about. Unfortunately my area (and insurance) doesn't offer much alternative in medical care. Teri, the answer to your question is yes. The pain (not just it's intensity) is the same. The nausea is there as well. I guess I never put them together since my warning bell is the aura. I guess I better pay closer attention to these.

By the way, after I gave her a stern talking-to, my neuro will not be using the words 'mini' and 'migraine' in the same sentence ever again. I think the ink is still wet on her Nassau Bahamas School of Neurology diploma. LOL

Medieval, I'm with you too!!! Gimme a mini so I can function like everyone else!

quote:

Can I trade my major migraines for mini-migraines?

Me too, please?

Thanks in advance,

Mini migraines will be just fine for me as well.

Yes, sign me up for the "mini's" as well! I had a "normal" headache last night and was like woohoo! I can deal with this! This is cake compared to the normal things ya throw at me!

Come to think of it - this is the first "headache" I've had in I can't even remember - I think it's been like at least 8 months! WOW!

Eileen-an even better thought-forget the mini's, and just deal with a "normal" headache.

Who knows...maybe your migraines have magicially been cured? Wouldn't that be fantastic!!!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by EileenHOST:
Yes, sign me up for the "mini's" as well! I had a "normal" headache last night and was like woohoo! I can deal with this! This is cake compared to the normal things ya throw at me!

Come to think of it - this is the first "headache" I've had in I can't even remember - I think it's been like at least 8 months! WOW!