Migraine treatment for teens.

[jwright199]

My 17 year old daughter has suffered from chronic migraines for years. She went to a neurologist for 7 years and has had every oral medication available and nothing helps. Insurance won't pay for botox until she's 18. Has anyone had any kind of successful alternative treatment that is available to minors? It's gut wrenching to see her in so much pain so often and I don't what else to do.

[Cat00]

Would all injections be off the list because you could try a GON injection? It's a Greater Occipital Nerve Block. I presume you tried a Cephaly device or Transcranial Stimulator? I have chronic migraines and to be honest botox has been the only thing that has helped me in the end, but of course everything is worth a try?

[jwright199 in reply to Cat00]

They've never given her anything but oral medication. Maybe I need to find a new doctor. A lot of people say the nerve block only gives relief for a very short time but it would be worth trying. Thank you!

[Cat00 in reply to jwright199]

The nerve block is one of things that is so variable, It didn't have any effect on me at all, positive or negative but it was the only thing they could give me while I was pregnant and I was desperate enough to try anything! I do know people who have had 6 months relief from it and although 6 months doesn't solve the problem 6 months is still amazing when you're chronic. You might as well make some enquires just incase another doctor will be more proactive. I don't suppose non-tablet drugs are really that different, a drug is a drug whatever form it comes in but obviously I can understand the hesitation when children are involved.

[Wolfiesmom08]

Yes I think it's time to try a new doctor. I saw a neurologist who was also a headache specialist and he was way more helpful than my first neurologist who told me there's no one in the world like it's more headaches me and then I was suffering from depression. I found this new neurologist a few years later and he diagnosed me with occiputal neuralgia with menstrual related migraine. We tried a couple oral drugs but they didn't work and finally the insurance approved Botox after documenting at those drugs didn't work Have you started any supplements like 400 g of magnesium 400 of riboflavin and some Petadolex?

[jwright199 in reply to Wolfiesmom08]

Yes, she does take supplements. I've never heard of Petadolex. I'll look that up.

[KatherineM_PBC]

I had chronic migraine for a year, despite trying different meds, Botox, seeing an osteopath and having acupuncture, changing diet to gluten free, and avoiding alcohol etc. I am taking 50mg daily Amitriptyline (daily preventative) but the BIGGEST difference has been since I cut back carbs and sugar. Swapping porridge breakfast for eggs, sandwich lunch for salads or soup. NO snacks and apart from the occasional cup of tea, just drink water. Evening meal mostly fish/meat with veg and a small amount of potato/pasta/rice compared to the rest of the family. For the first time in a year I wake up and headaches are NOT the first thing I think about, I did a full shift at work today and driving home I thought, that's the first shift in a year where I got through completely without any head pain.

These diets seem drastic and un-doable but maybe your daughter could try it for a month? Stock up with healthy veg and salads (not so much fruit as even a lot of fructose is bad) and maybe the whole family will benefit Check foods like yoghurts for hidden carbs/sugars, some have more than a bag of crisps! I really thought I couldn't stick to this way of eating but every day I go without a headache makes me more determined to stick to a fresh way of eating, no processed food and stodgy pies and pastries. I'm sure in the future I'll be able to treat myself again but to get even a couple of weeks good relief has been amazing!

Best wishes xx