Question: Migraines associated with fused cervical vertebrae...
Answer:
Full Question:
In May of 1998, I had 3 cervical vertebrae fused, Ever since I have suffered from severe migraines, so bad that I am now permanently disabled. I have tried 3 series of prophylactic meds, the latest being Depakote and atenolol, These meds didn't help, and reading the information supplied with them scared the heck out of me. My questions are: 1. Are migraines a common result of fusion surgery (it was never mentioned before surgery) 2. Are there migraines that just can't be helped by preventive meds. I use antianxiety meds and pain killers now, with antiemetics, and occasional trips to the E.R.
Answer:
Dear E.R.;
Not an unusual story. Stop focusing on the package inserts; they are not necessarily the real world-- they are the product of negotiations between FDA attorneys and pharmaceutical company attorneys. Who's going to win?? Surgery can help or hinder Migraine patterns as well. Your "pain killers" can be making your Migraines worse via analgesic rebound pathways. You need to see a headache specialist. There's a link below to our directory of recommended specialists.
Good luck,
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.
More Headaches & Migraines Q&A