Should I ask to see a migraine specialist?

[NetroPhil]

I've been putting off going to the doctors for my migraines now for a while. The last time I went the doctor didn't help very much and I'm wondering whether it's worth the time and effort to ask to see a specialist. There's nothing different and nothing that I'm worried about except the migraines themselves. But still I wonder whether it'd be worth it.

[headachequeen]

As discouraging as it can be trying to find help for migraines, I think it's always a good idea to try again once in awhile. Finding the right people to help you is a long quest, but worth it when you find them. New doc, new perspective, new medications... I say go for it. Best of luck.

[Cat00]

I think it depends how frequent they are or how bad they are If they are infrequent. If you only have them occasionally the GP is equipped enough to help, although as you have experienced they are often dismissive, but in that case I'd be seeking a different GP. If the migraines are hemiplagic in style but infrequent I would want reassurance, and obviously if they are frequent you would need advice about medication overuse etc.

[migrainertoo]

I waited years (too long) to find a Neurologist that has changed my quality of life, because I really like my primary care physician. She cares about me and has done everything she could to help me. She finally told me she was out of ideas and it was time for a Neurologist.

When I walked into his office I knew I was in the right place. He immediately started making changes to my medications because they weren't right for my migraines. In less than a year, I have gone from having migraines almost everyday to having almost everyday without migraines. Insurance also responds better on the newer meds like Amovig (life changing for me) when a Neurologist is prescribing. Good luck to you also I would be happy to answer any questions you have.

[headachequeen in reply to migrainertoo]

Aimovig has been life changing for me too!

[NetroPhil in reply to headachequeen]

Just a shame that Aimovig isn't legal in my country. It is in Scotland, and there's been calls for the NHS to allow it, but there's no news so far

[headachequeen in reply to NetroPhil]

I hope it is allowed soon. Neurologists in the US are getting great results with it. Hardly any side effects.... minor things like constipation and soreness at point of injection. My fingers are crossed for you. My migraines are 90% gone. I used to go through 18 triptans per month and constantly felt headachey and uncomfortable in neck. Now, about 2 per month (menstrual migraine) but the rest of the time I feel like a normal person.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to NetroPhil]

It's almost $7,000.00 per patient... wow that is a lot. I was worried when my Imitrix was 100+ per pill.

[Adriana5631 in reply to NetroPhil]

Hi, I wasn’t aware of this, so I Googled. Please sign and pass on this petition.

change.org/p/nice-uk-s-nhs-...

[Chleo11]

Hello. I think it is best for you to try to find some help before your migraines get out of control, as it seems that they are not too disabling for you right now. As far as I know, and from what I can see from my own experience, is that somehow migraines get out of control at some stage for many people. I think it has to do with taking too many and inadequate medic for too long and simply getting older. Reading the comments of other migraineurs on this thread, I can't believe how lucky you are guys in the USA. There's no way that we can get Aimovig refunded here in the UK. We can have the injections at around £600 per session but all out of our pockets.

[DigitalMom40 in reply to Chleo11]

Look into Ajovy. That’s what I take and it’s $575 but with insurance it’s $155. Still a lot, but worth it!!

[NetroPhil]

Hey guys I'm just updating this question. I went to the Doctors and he gave me some Sumatriptans. They're pretty effective as they pretty much halve the pain of the migraine. The aura however is still there, which honestly still freaks me out, but at least now I don't lose almost a whole day to sleeping off a migraine (before these I last slept right through about 12 hours)

I'm still wondering about whether or not I should ask to see a neurologist or specialist, though....itself they can do something different and better, then should I still go for it?

[DigitalMom40 in reply to NetroPhil]

I would ask to see a neurologist if your migraines are more then 15 per month. I had them everyday for years. Ajovy is what changed my life. I’m migraine free 10-15 days a month now, still seems like a lot. Also Botox may work, I know people who have zero migraines thanks to it, but it didn’t work for me. Good luck I feel your pain daily.

[NetroPhil in reply to DigitalMom40]

I'm not getting then 15 times a month -more like 2-4 times a month - which has been an increase during the last year, I realise that's not nearly as many, but still is it worth seeing a neurologist to make sure everything's alright up there?

[Onthemove1971]

Yes! Please push for progress,don't suffer.

I have been taking magnesium glycinate (I took magnesium citrate) and switched. I am now taking 100mg 3x daily and it has changed my life!! Many studied show we who suffer from migraines don't have enough. I also take Feverfew 2x daily . I went from daily pain, to maybe 1x a week that I can stop with tylenol.

I am also listening to the Head Up podcast which has really helped me a lot!!