Rebound Migraines??

Updated on April 16, 2011
M.R. asks from Edmonds, WA
7 answers

Due to a series of unfortunate events, I am currently suffering with the most bizarre migraine I have ever had.

I have a history of migraines, but they were pretty well controlled until.....

First I had an acute sinusitis, started in January, then I started wearing progressive lenses which caused terrible eye strain and onset of migraines, then the infection escalated into a bilateral inner ear infection with perforation, meaning my ear drum burst on an airplane ride, which resulted in green puss oozing from my right ear for. I've been on 3 trips for a total of 8 airplane rides, which has caused significant, unrelenting pressure and throbbing in my head..which has now caused partial hearing loss and imbalance and a weak right eye.

I have seen my Family Doc, an ENT and yesterday an adult neurologist....The good news is that my sinuses and veins are healthy and clear. The bad news is that I am having a classic rebound migraine.. The neurologist says he sees this all the time with people who have a previous migraine history, then have an injury where they take analgesics for pain management, then the migraines are triggered, and they are having withdrawals symptoms from the analgesics causing the rebound migraine.

I am told it will take about a month for the above symptoms to clear.

In researching other migraine questions I haven't seen a discussion about rebound headaches and migraines? There are tips on changing household cleaning chemicals, Accupuncture, Chiropractors, taking good vitamins....

Anyone have help for rebound???

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N.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

I am a migraine sufferer. My neurologist says I should almost never take regular pain relief (Tylenol/Advil products..their generics, etc...your analgesics), as they are famous for the rebound/bounce-back headaches. I was told the same as you..once stuck in that cycle, you have to quit taking them and wait it out. Miserable.

I only take my prescription meds now. I have different degrees of pain relief to take. 2 are the same...but for the ingredient of Codine. So at first or for a mild headache of ANY kind I take the milder form without the Codine...if it gets worse or simply doesn't go away, I take the jazzed up one. If still in pain, I have a muscle relaxer one to take. Its the pain med cocktail that works for me.

I also take a preventative "cocktail" of meds nightly. Migraines suck, but with this extreme regiment I have gone from 15-18 headache days a month to 1-4....much better quality of life for me.

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M.J.

answers from Tucson on

I would see a Chiropractor. I get bad sinus infection about 6-8 times a year. So far this year I havent had one. I actually havent had one since Spetember of 2010. Not to mention that the headaches that go with and trail after are gone. I go once a week, sometimes twice. There is a place called the joint in Tucson that is $20 a visit or they have pay ahead plans that save you money. If you could find a place like this I would suggest it.

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L.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Hello! I read your post because I too have suffered from migraines..and I never had them till about 7 years ago when I was undergoing some major stress. I never knew what they were till I seen my doctor. I'm sorry that you're going through all of this.

Having migraines, rebound migraines is a terrible feeling and the migraines win. I seen different specialists as well and they all were quick to prescribe medication to me. I did try a couple at first..and oh boy were their side effects even worse! I couldn't even function, go to work..couldn't tend to my kids.! Terrible! So..I was doing some other research and thought what I could do more naturally and w/o all these medications. Acupuncture! I love it! It actually helped me out! I seen a acupuncturist for about 6 months...treatment every week at first and then every 2 wks...and never came back! Love it! Have not had a migraine for over 4 years now? After a year of treatment...I learned of another culprit to my migraines....if I eat or drink anything with caffeine in it...within seconds..my migraine will start..and I'd have to intercept it with a one Tylenol pill. I also heard of Hyland's Migraine Headache Relief. Check it out. Hopefully, you'll find something to help you. Good luck.

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A.F.

answers from St. Cloud on

I don't do very well on meds so the chiropractor has really helped me! I also had migraines stemming from hormones so I take a supplement for that.
Looking back, I haven't had a migraine in a month! I used to get them 3-4 times per week, and they would lay me out for the entire day.

I hope you find answers soon! My heart goes out to you, it sounds like you have been through a lot!

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M.R.

answers from Columbus on

Did your neurologist just leave you with pain? I think I would see a new neurologist. I take Gabapenatin and Tizanadine for my migranes. I have some jaw clenching issues that trigger mine. I never use over the counter anylgesics, they never helped my migranes anyway.

I would speak to your Family Doctor today, and tell them you need a new referal, and some pain releif. You should not be left to search the web for treatment options...there is help out there!

M.

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A.G.

answers from Dallas on

I get migraines 4-5 days a week during a bad spell, and take vicoprofin for them. My neurologist told me that I could only take the vicoprofin 3 days a week because if I took it more often than that I would get rebound headaches. I can take it multiple times those three days if needed, but only 3 days a week. If I need to treat migraines more than 3 days, I lay down in a dark room with ice on my neck and head. It doesn't cure the headache, but it does help some.

My son had surgery last summer when he was 6 and had severe headaches as a side effect. They put him on vicodin for a short time, but I didn't know about the 3 day rule at the time. He had horrible rebound headaches. It only took about 5 days (5 looooonnnnngggg days) to cure him of the rebound headaches once we realized what the problem was, so I would be surprised if it took you a whole month, but then again, I'm not a neurologist. ;-)

I'm sorry you've had such a rough time, and hope you feel much better soon!

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C.J.

answers from Dallas on

Mayo Clinic has a migraine center. As does a wonderful center in Chicago.
I traveled from Dallas to Chicago & spent several days there undergoing treatment.
After the treatment I didn't have an episode for over 14months. (I was a skeptic, but a desperate one!)
http://www.diamondheadache.com/

Since then I've been on Topamax, which has some CRAZY awful side effects, but the control of the migraines has been amazing!
I recently got off because we're pregnant & once again, the migraines have returned.

Good luck to you.

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