Question: Facial shingles and Migraine? Pain relief?
Answer:
Full Question:
I am a 50-year old female who has had migraines
for many years, the worst being menstrual. A few months ago, I got shingles on
my face. Lately, it seems the menstrual migraines are more painful and last
longer. Imitrex does not always work for these headaches. My doctor thinks the
shingles may be making the pain worse, but doesn't seem to know for sure. He
also seems hesitant to prescribe additional pain medication though Vicodin has
helped when he has given it. What is your experience with facial shingles and
migraine? And what would be reasonable for pain relief?
Answer:
Dear Sufferer;
I have seen patients who had exacerbations of Migraine severity and frequency in the setting of facial shingles. Actually, a lot of the medications that can help shingles pain can also help tone down Migraines (i.e., Topamax). Vicodin is kind of nonsense for treatment; it might help for a short while and then it stops doing its good work. Chanting might be better in the long run (kidding).
Good luck,
Teri Robert and John Claude Krusz
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Published May 8, 2006
