Migraines, tinnitus and Bipolar Disorder - National Migraine...

National Migraine Centre

9,248 members2,709 posts

Migraines, tinnitus and Bipolar Disorder

Fi68 profile image
Fi68
1 Reply

Hello all, I have suffered from migraines since childhood. Now I have a full range of symptoms, awful smell, visual disturbance, nausea and intense pain behind either eye. In total they last for three days, then two days or more recovery as theyleave me feeling weak as a kitten. I also suffer from tinnitus, again since childhood (my mother and maternal grandmother were equal opportunity smackers around the head, they would hit left or right with equal abandon!) I have also been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II and complex PTSD. I have noticed that when I am moving into a depressive phase or high, I have more migraines, the tinnitus is really loud preventing sleep and the symptoms of the ptsd are very present. I read somewhere that in the USA 25% of Bipolar type II sufferers also have co-morbid migraines, and that there is talk of having a new category of Bipolar with migraines.

I have been on a whole range of different medications for the past 20 years, with varying degrees of success. Currently I am on Lamotrigine, Lefopramine and Levothyroxine (I also have a knackered thyroid). My GP prescribes Sumatriptan and some anti nausea meds. I can’t go on SSRI’s as they send me high. I also take Zapain as I have a hernia awaiting surgery.

Does anybody else suffer from these conditions? What has helped medication wise? Have you found that psychiatrists take into account the impact of the migraines? Any suggestions as to alternative treatments?

I feel quite wretched, migraines definately make depressive symptoms worse, very dark thoughts. I thought I could learn to cope with the Bipolar, but adding the tinnitus, migraines and the PTSD, it all seems overwhelming and bleak.

Many thanks,

Fi.

Written by
Fi68 profile image
Fi68
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
1 Reply
Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62

Have you ever had B12 levels checked.

List of symptoms here

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Deficiency can take decades to fully materialise - I can trace mine back 40 years before diagnosis, which is quite tricky as normal range is a bit of blunt tool in the case of B12 deficiency.

If it looks like a possibility then please take a look at the PASoc forum on HU

healthunlocked.com/pasoc

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Migraine and Tinnitus

Hi, I am a 64 year old man and suffered with severe migraine since childhood, about four years ago...
beaverwood profile image

Could my Chronic migraines be idiopathic intracranial hypertension?

Hello everyone.. I suffer from chronic migraines I have just had a 2 week migraine but still sore...

Anybody experience silent migraines like mine?

I was wondering if anybody has experienced silent migraines? I have had migraines with the whole...

Use of Beta Blockers to treat Migraines

Hi I was diagnosed as having Migraines last week and my gp has given me beta blockers to try to...
Morbidia profile image

Hormonal migraines anyone beaten these?

Hi, I suffer from hormonal migraines I get them just before and during my period ( 10/12 days...
Jeffner profile image

Moderation team

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.