Welcome to the group Linda! I'm glad you joined us, but sorry to hear about your pain. Did you ever get a migraine before the last couple months? With any change in your health, it is important to seek medical care. When a patient starts getting migraine symptoms for the first time, other more serious health problems such as brain tumors should be ruled out. By visiting a doctor or ER, they will likely ask you some questions, perform a neurological exam, and hopefully order a MRI or CT scan. The likelihood of a brain tumor is very small, but nonetheless neither you nor I are a doctor and it is important to get checked out. I would urge you to shop around. You may find a doctor who has reasonable prices, and many have cash discounts. For less than $100 you can have a little peace of mind. You may have to wait on the scan for a bit without insurance though. Any way you qualify for some sort of assistance program? Some provide local care and are separate from government programs.
Yes, I went through the worrying that I might have something seriously wrong like a brain tumor or blood clot, but I decided to not worry until I had a reason to worry. I had the tests done and nothing was found, so I didn't need to worry.
At a doctor's office, they can give you some suggestions on how to manage the migraines, and hopefully minimize them. What they may do for you on a first visit is provide a diagnosis and hopefully offer some treatment medications for when you get one again. These can be quite expensive (Triptans particularly), but many times doctors have samples. What have you tried so far (treatments such as rest or ice, or medications that are over the counter)? How often do you get them? How long do they last on average? Do you mind sharing how old you are? Have you kept a log of the migraines with when you get them, what you do to treat them, and any potential triggers? Some foods and activities can trigger migraines.
Do you get any other symptoms with the pain such as sensitivity to light or sound? Nausea or vomiting? Do you have any head pain between the migraines?
I do think it is important to get checked out. Whatever you can manage now, and then more tests at a later date. I'm sorry but there is not much I can do for you besides answer any questions, provide some links, etc. Any more questions right now? Best wishes. Hope to chat with you again soon.
