Question: Nerve blocks... better after multiple rounds? New preventives?
Answer:
Full Question:
I'm 32 and have headaches since childhood. I do
see a neurologist who is actively still trying to help me. I have tried most of
the headache meds including beta blockers, anti seizure meds, triptans, and many
others with off label use for headaches. None have really helped and most of
them have made me nauseated with dry heaves or super dizzy. I haven't ever
considered them "migraines". I have them daily and the longest run of a headache
was 47 days. MRI's and EEG's were fine. 48 hour halter monitor was
fine as well. I am currently undergoing treatment for bilateral occipital
neuralgia. (cortisone and lido injections at the base of my skull.) I've had two
rounds of them so far with only relief for a few days after each injection.
Within your experience or research, do these injections start working longer
after multiple rounds? Are there any new meds out there to PREVENT the headaches
from coming on in the first place. My triggers are sunlight, exertion, and
certain smells of certain spices. The headaches are the worst in the beginning
of winter and in the humid weather. Does barometric pressure have an effect on
headaches. Is there something out there to treat that? I know that you do not
diagnose, I'm just asking for if you have run across something like this before?
I look forward for your input. Thank you, Gwendolyn.
Answer:
Dear Anne;
You ask a number of great questions, but many do not have easy answers. I'm not sure why most of the meds would cause nausea, as they are all different from each other structurally. Perhaps a dedicated trial of metochlopramide every 6 hours around the clock might help nausea and Migraine or headache as well. Blocks may be partially effective, as you describe. They do not necessarily do better with repetition. Barometric pressure changes can have a great effect on Migraine and can be used to put a person on notice or to treat with abortive meds. New preventative medications are always coming to market; without knowing the list of items you have tried and if in a sufficient dose and time, it becomes impossible to make specific suggestions. My strongest suggestion is to seek a headache and Migraine expert and see if that may be helpful. If you need it, there's a link below to our directory of recommended specialists.
Good luck,
Teri Robert and John Claude Krusz
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Published May 1, 2006
