D is for....

Depression - Almost half of Migraineurs experience depression. Why wouldn't we? Being in pain more days then not can get very depressing and lonely. Not to mention some of the preventive medications we can use have depression as a possible side effect. Teri Robert has written about Depression and Migraine being co morbid - meaning you can have both, but one does not need to exist for the other.

Depression Common in Headache Sufferers

Depression in Woman with Migraine Linked to Childhood Abuse

If you or someone you know suffers from depression, HealthCentral has a site for this as well. It's at My Depression Connection. Depression is not something to fool around with. I have been battling with it since I was about 8 or 9, but not diagnosed until I was 14.

Dehydration - This can be a huge Migraine trigger! It can also trigger a headache for those who do not have Migraine Disease. You would think the first sign of dehydration would be thirst, but nope! It's headache!

Diagnosis - When dealing with any new symptom or illness, it is crucial to get a proper diagnosis. Don't go guessing what you have - get to a doctor and have it checked out! You will save yourself a lot of aggravation, and maybe even your life by doing this! Trust me!

Disability - "According to a World Health Organization analysis, migraine alone is responsible for at least one percent of the total US medical disability burden, and severe migraine attacks are as disabling as quadriplegia." Migraine also makes up 9% of labor loss in the US alone.

Statistics and quotes found at the Alliance for Headache Advocacy Fact Sheet

DHE-45 - Dihydroergotamine is an injectable drug used to abort Migraine. It also comes in a spray form called Migranal. This drug can be used in an IV treatment therapy as well.

IV Treatment for Refractory Migraines

C is for:

Cluster Headaches: Severe attacks in head pain, unilaterally, lasting 15-180 minutes. Cluster headaches can occur more then once a day. See Cluster Headaches: The Basics Also, for more information, visit Cluster Busters. Also, if you go to Cluster Busters, please check out the video linked on the front page.....it really puts into perspective how painful these attacks are.



Caffeine: Ah, caffeine. This one can go either way for a Migraineur. It can help or make a Migraine worse. For me, I find that I end up with a Migraine if I don't drink it! Note: Caffeine Guy don't even think about commenting here!



Coke Classic: The end all, be all of what I need when I feel like a truck hit me. I am not a soda drinker, but this is my all time fav!!!! It not only helps my belly feel better, but my head too!



Chronic Daily Headache: or CDH - is a headache more then 15 days in a month. See Chronic Daily Headache: The Basics

B is for:

Basilar-type Migraine: BTM is a type of Migraine, a little more difficult to treat then some other Migraine or Migraine with aura Migraineurs. This is because most of the medications used to abort Migraines, are contradicted for BTM. Symptoms of Basilar-type Migraine may mimic other types of illnesses, so it is very important to rule out other possible illnesses by having a CT (CAT Scan) and/or an MRI, just to make sure there is nothing else going on.

Migraineurs suffering from BTM should wear an ID bracelet in case of emergency, since the symptoms of an attack can mimic other health issues.

Botox: I'm sure you all know what this is! Yes, it's not only used for cosmetic reasons anymore! It has shown great success with tension-type headache and other conditions. It is not exactly administered they way it would be if being used for cosmetic reasons. Botox for Migraine and TTH is shot not only in the forehead, but around the jaw, and also in the back of the neck.

If you are thinking of Botox for Migraine, please check out the following links:

Treating Migraines with Botox?

Intradermal Botox for Migraine, Headache, Pain Disorders

Just a fair warning though - there may be a lot of back and forth with your insurance, if you decide to go this route. So be prepared.