Question: First Migraine nine months ago. Getting worse. When to consult doctor?
Answer:
Full Question:
I had never had a migraine until about 9 months
ago, and since then I have had 3 severe ones. Before I started getting them, I
rarely got any headaches at all. The pain is so great I end up crying, shaking,
and vomiting and it seems like they get worse every time. I'm wondering how to
know when to consult a doctor about them. Lindsay.
Answer:
Dear Lindsay;
Whenever headache or Migraine patterns change or your medications aren't working to control them, it's time to consult your doctor. It's time for you to call your doctor now. There are many medications that can be used to treat Migraine attacks so you don't have to go through what you describe. Here's an article about one family of Migraine abortive medications and one about when to see your doctor:
- Triptans: Overview and Profiles
In 1992, the FDA approved the first of a class of medications that many Migraineurs call "miracle drugs." That drug was sumatriptan (Imitrex®, Imigran®), the first triptan. Here are both general information on triptans and detailed profiles of each. -
When To See Your Doctor for a Headache or Migraine
Statistically, most headaches and Migraine attacks are painful and disruptive, but not dangerous. Still, head pain can be a symptom of other conditions, some serious. Even though many of us have been told, "A Migraine never killed anyone," that's not exactly true. There are cases where Migraines cause fatal strokes and times when a headache or Migraine attack means you need to see a doctor.
Good luck,
Teri Robert and John Claude Krusz
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Published May 1, 2006
