I already did my obligatory NaBloPoMo post for today but I have something else to say.

My sister had a period of about a month where she had a headache. She was miserable! She went to the ER a couple of times, had a spinal tap once, an MRI, a CT and saw a neurologist. After the spinal tap made her headache MUCH worse, she also had a blood patch.

For those of you who have to deal with medical professionals who are unable to think outside the box - or if you ARE one, yes, anesthesia via spinal and epidural can too cause a spinal - read “severe” -headache. If you have had a spinal tap, spinal or epidural anesthesia inflected on you, remember these two words: BLOOD PATCH. If you are afflicted with a spinal headache, ask about this. My sister felt markedly better within a half hour after this reverse spinal tap. (Spinal tap, lumbar puncture, tomato, to mah to.)

My sister’s headache was attributed to a change in the way her migraine headaches manifest themselves and the need to add in an anti-inflammatory medication like Motrin. She was put on different drugs throughout that time and finally Motrin and Relpax, which have given her much relief. The neurologist guessed that, of all of the drugs she had tried, the one thing missing was an anti-inflammatory. The Motrin/Relpax combo worked wonders.

I went to the doctor with her a couple of times and to the emergency room once to see to it that she didn’t get blown off yet again. While with her, I got to hear every symptom she has ever had with her Migraine headaches since she started having them after she had meningitis about 10 years ago. Because I have always had issues with headaches, I started paying attention to what she was saying. I’ve always assumed they were sinus and/or allergy related.

Remaining excessive rambling aside, I had never heard about the prodrome that some people have until about two or three weeks ago. Coming across this information found on The National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain website has made a huge difference in the way I have handled the way I feel:

Prodrome

Prodrome is experienced by approximately 60% of people with migraines, and it occurs within hours or up to days before a migraine attack. Many physical and psychological symptoms are associated with prodrome. These symptoms may vary between individuals, but they usually remain consistent for an individual.

Physical symptoms of prodrome include:

1. Stiff neck
2. Cold feeling
3. Sluggishness
4. Dizziness
5. Increased thirst
6. Increased urination
7. Loss of appetite
8. Diarrhea
9. Constipation
10. Fluid retention
11. Food cravings
12. Sensitivity to light and/or sound

Psychological symptoms of prodrome include:

1. Depression
2. Euphoria
3. Irritability
4. Restlessness
5. Mental slowing
6. Hyperactivity
7. Fatigue
8. Drowsiness

I have noted a pattern of several of the above highlighted symptoms beginning approximately two days before a headache, especially the stiff neck, sluggishness and fatigue. I’m amazed at how predictable it has become. It almost alleviates the depression!!! In some cases, knowledge is definitely power.

I hope that this information is helpful to someone out there. I had never heard of the prodrome and I don’t think it’s something that is commonly known. Maybe it is and I am just late to the game. Well, no doubt I’m late to the game, I always am, but I digress.

Read up on the prodrome aspect of Migraine Disease in case it applies to you. Knowing you’re not just falling apart for no apparent reason can make a big difference in your outlook on life!

Here’s another link that talks about the prodrome.

Good night!

Mrs. N.

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