Question: Steroids and calcium channel blocker for 2.5 year headache?
Answer:
Full Question:
I have had a headache since Jan. 12, 2004. I
previously had regular migraines 2-3 times a month. I have tried multiple
different treatments. I most recently been prescribed a protocol of a weeks
worth of descending amounts of prednisone and a increase of a calcium blocker.
Have the results of this treatment been successful in the past? What kind of
headaches have they used this combination of meds to treat? My headache sits on
the top of my head and has spikes usually in the front and solid knots of pain
in front and back. The level of pain is 7-8 daily. Thank you.
Answer:
Hello;
Steroid tapers are often quite helpful in stopping a long-lasting tension-type headache or Migraine attack. Calcium channel blockers are used as a preventive in many types of headaches and Migraine.
An important question is how often have you been taking pain relieving medications for this "headache." If you've been taking them more than two or three days a week, medication overuse/rebound is a possible issue. If, by chance, you've been taking such meds more than two or three days a week, and continue doing so, it's highly unlikely that the steroid taper is going to help. Here's some info on that:
Medication Overuse Headache: What's a person to do?
Unfortunately, it seems that any medication we take for headache or
Migraine relief has the potential to cause medication overuse headache if
used more than two or three days a week. We need to learn as much about it
as possible. Let’s take a look at what causes it, how to avoid it, and other
important issues.
Good luck,
Teri Robert and John Claude Krusz
____________
To visit our directory of recommended specialists and clinics, click
HERE.
To visit our forums for an exchange of
information and support, click
HERE.
Important Note: Material on this page is
for informational purposes only, and should not in any way be construed as
medical advice. Always consult your own physician with questions about your
headaches or Migraines.
