Vasospastic angina and migraine.

[Pilchard2]

Been a while since I posted. I have vasospastic angina. I've been having what I call 'episodes ' on and off over the last month. GTN spray has been used on a more regular basis. I've noticed that over the last few days a migraine has been creeping in. Definitely not how my migraines usually present (I also get cluster headaches). Could the migraine actually be related to the vasospasms? I'm just curious. I'm seeing my consultant on the 25th so I'll be asking him as well.Thanks 😊

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

I have Vasospastic angina, Raynauds Phenomenon and migraines.

When I have severe episodes of coronary vasospasms? I also have migraine symptoms of ice pick headache, numbness in the left side of my face, sensitivity to light and sound.

My Cardiologist and Neurologist say my migraines are related to my vasospastic angina.

I have botox treatment to help manage my symptoms.

I have also been prescribed oxygen too, which I use during an episode of chestpain and migraine.

[Pilchard2 in reply to Milkfairy]

My god that sounds just like me. It's really got me down lately as I have no one who understands how it makes you feel. My consultant is brilliant (found him privately). Took 9 years to get my diagnosis as doctors kept saying there was nothing wrong. May I ask what raynauds phenomenon is. I'm seeing a vascular surgeon in march as my right foot and bottom half of my leg keep going very cold.Thanks for you reply 🙂

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Pilchard2]

Raynaud's Phenomenon is another vasomotor disorder.

It's caused by the small blood vessels in your extremities constricting in the cold.

Fingers, toes and nose.

They change colour go from white, blue then red. It's very painful.

Mine is much better since taking Diltiazem for my coronary vasospasms.

The trick like with vasospastic angina is to keep warm.

Uniqlo heattech thermals are good. I also wear silver threaded lining gloves and put fleece liners in my shoes and boots.

I cover my nose and mouth with a snood when I go out in the cold.

I am not looking forward to the upcoming cold weather 🥶

Some people develop secondary Raynauds Phenomenon when they take beta blockers.

How was your vasospastic angina diagnosed?

I had an angiogram with acetylcholine.

[Pilchard2 in reply to Milkfairy]

It's been a process of elimination over the past year. I've had 24hour ECG. A very in depth MRI scan and angiogram. My consultant is sure about the diagnosis. I shall be having the same type of angiogram you've had later on this year just for clarification. Do you find having a neurologist helpful?? I did alot of research to find my consultant and he's not local to me. Is your cardiologist local to you and how did you find him. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

[fishonabike]

i know this may be much of a consolation but a dear (80 yr old) friend, who suffered from Angina all her life, was told by her neurologist that migraines often disappear at around 70 - she was doubtful - but she was also delighted when she realised that it was true for her

of course the situation may be different for those with vasospastic conditions, but i hope that you find efective help soon

[Pilchard2]

Thanks for your reply. That means I have another 13 years to wait for the migraines to stop! Fingers crossed 🤞 😊