I suffer from Migraine occasionally and make sure I carry a triptan around
in the car, in my bag, at home, and on holiday. I find I have 20 minutes
from the start of the right inferotemporal scintillating scotoma to the
onset of the headache and a triptan aborts it completely if taken at that
stage. Now I know lots of people react differently so this is just personal
experience but I know it has helped others.
I really suffered as a kid, but basically I was bullied by big brother (some
of you know him - he's in medicine too). My migraines resolved largely when
I realised at the age of seven that I could win the fight if I kicked him in
the gonads (Stress relief, empowerment etc). I started with migraines again
as a GP, then read the label of this new Red Bull drink I'd taken a fancy
to. Then a few years ago I started having daily migraines. I was actually
having one when a young lad came in with his mother. He was getting
migraines too. Mum asked if I had a list of things he shouldn't eat and I
went on Google to find one. I found this
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/popularhealthdiets/a/migrainediet.htm
I had started having banana smoothies for breakfast. If I don't have more
than three bananas a week I'm fine. I've given the printout to hundreds of
patients now and they almost all report that the migraines get a lot less
frequent. As for the others - they just have to learn to kick the bugger in
the balls!
Vic Calland
-----Original Message-----
From: Accident and Emergency Academic List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Adrian Fogarty
Sent: 28 July 2006 07:47
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Migraine/Triptan therapy
What is the accepted wisdom on the management of acute migraine these days?
Do most people stick with the tried-and-tested methods of analgesia,
anti-emetics and fluids? Or do many of you now use triptans, and if so, in
which particular patients or perhaps as a routine? Am finding it very
difficult to find any good evidence or consensus on this particular
question. Any advice gratefully received.
AF
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