Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Severe Migraine
Question: I recently traveled from Michigan to NJ an while driving through the flat parts I had no headaches however as soon as I hit PA and started to go through the mountainous range to get there the migraine from hell hit.
I was plenty hydrated had not eaten anything with sugars, no coffee. Advil didn't touch it.
I was plenty hydrated had not eaten anything with sugars, no coffee. Advil didn't touch it.
Brief Answer:
Lots of turns may have set it off.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
It may be the curving back and forth that the roads take going thru the mountains. I get migraines and is has done it for me. In the mountainous areas of Pennsylvania.
If NSAIDs are not working for you and the migraine is continuing, and you have no back up migraine medication to use, then I recommend you go to an urgent care clinic where they can help you with the pain.
You may want to see your own doctor to discuss back up medications to take for severe migraines.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide more information for what you are looking for.
Lots of turns may have set it off.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
It may be the curving back and forth that the roads take going thru the mountains. I get migraines and is has done it for me. In the mountainous areas of Pennsylvania.
If NSAIDs are not working for you and the migraine is continuing, and you have no back up migraine medication to use, then I recommend you go to an urgent care clinic where they can help you with the pain.
You may want to see your own doctor to discuss back up medications to take for severe migraines.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide more information for what you are looking for.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. I understand the curvy roads but I was on the interstate straight through. This will also happen occasionally when I fly depending on ascend tino and descent ion. Although I also understand that the answers are usually drug related I am trying to figure out what causes it and if there are other options. Drive with the car windows down or something for example.
While you possess the knowledge where I do not I asking in that I don't feel you can help a problem or yourself without an understanding of what, why, and how the issue is happening. Taking meds is OK if I have an understanding of what is occurring and that this is the only way to try and stop it from happening.
I thank you for your help and understanding in this matter.
Kindest regards, XXXXXXX
While you possess the knowledge where I do not I asking in that I don't feel you can help a problem or yourself without an understanding of what, why, and how the issue is happening. Taking meds is OK if I have an understanding of what is occurring and that this is the only way to try and stop it from happening.
I thank you for your help and understanding in this matter.
Kindest regards, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Suggestions:
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Ascent and descent involves air pressure changes. And being up in mountains, if high enough, can mean getting (slightly) less oxygen. I am wondering if the closed head injury and history of migraines has made you more sensitive to these changes.
I could not find any scientific articles on how to prevent high altitude headaches or migraines caused by high altitudes.
Many people who write into this site want to know what meds to take. And for that matter, many people who go in to see doctors in clinic also want this. I prefer trying non-medical modifications first if possible.
While it hasn't been studied, it is generally recommended that to prevent high altitude and travel related headaches, hydration is very important. Push fluids before the situation that sets you off and also while in the situation. Avoid any alcohol. Wear good quality sun glasses and avoid bright light. Avoid anything else that tends to set you off before going into the situation (as triggers can be cumulative).
And take the ibuprofen before the headache comes on to lessen inflammation and prevent getting into a pain cycle.
If you find that your migraine headaches last and are not going away, or if you get frequent migraines during a particular period of time, consider seeing an acupuncturist trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I trust practitioners who have been trained in China more than those trained in the U.S. as I think the Chinese training in this is more extensive.
Suggestions:
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Ascent and descent involves air pressure changes. And being up in mountains, if high enough, can mean getting (slightly) less oxygen. I am wondering if the closed head injury and history of migraines has made you more sensitive to these changes.
I could not find any scientific articles on how to prevent high altitude headaches or migraines caused by high altitudes.
Many people who write into this site want to know what meds to take. And for that matter, many people who go in to see doctors in clinic also want this. I prefer trying non-medical modifications first if possible.
While it hasn't been studied, it is generally recommended that to prevent high altitude and travel related headaches, hydration is very important. Push fluids before the situation that sets you off and also while in the situation. Avoid any alcohol. Wear good quality sun glasses and avoid bright light. Avoid anything else that tends to set you off before going into the situation (as triggers can be cumulative).
And take the ibuprofen before the headache comes on to lessen inflammation and prevent getting into a pain cycle.
If you find that your migraine headaches last and are not going away, or if you get frequent migraines during a particular period of time, consider seeing an acupuncturist trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I trust practitioners who have been trained in China more than those trained in the U.S. as I think the Chinese training in this is more extensive.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Dr. Berger-Dumbaugh,
Thank you so much for your time and suggestions. All I can do is try and maybe through finding a combination that works the problem will be alleviated. I greatly appreciate your taking the time to talk with me.
Thank you again and have a wonderful weekend!!! :)
Kindest regards, XXXXXXX
Thank you so much for your time and suggestions. All I can do is try and maybe through finding a combination that works the problem will be alleviated. I greatly appreciate your taking the time to talk with me.
Thank you again and have a wonderful weekend!!! :)
Kindest regards, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Wishing you a good weekend too!
Detailed Answer: XXXXXXX
I do hope you are able to find things that work for you.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Wishing you a good weekend too!
Detailed Answer: XXXXXXX
I do hope you are able to find things that work for you.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
By proceeding further you accept the Terms and Conditions
