sudden increase in hemiplegic migraine.

[Kevin160]

i feel devastated, i had 4 major aura/hemiplegic migraines in 3 days, the symptoms were very severe and i feel so drained and exhausted, im still in disbelief on how this happened, i used to only get them every few months, im not sure whats the trigger, the only thing i can think of is traveling, but that almost two weeks ago, my sinuses are congested and i have had a clogged nose for most of those 2 weeks.

i already booked an appointment at the neurologist, and i will likely repeat MRI/CT , its funny how the worst news to me would that nothing is wrong, its sad that somehow that can be worse than actually finding an answer other that “its just migraines that cant be cured, you need to learn to liv with them”

My question is, do sinuses affect aura migraines ? And what should i do to try and reduce their frequency and severity, i will probably go back to sibelium/flunarizine because i was on it for a while last year and i think it helps regardless of the bad side effects and contradictions with literally everything else on the planet.

Would appreciate any advice or encouragement, im so worried i may have to drop the semester, and im worried about work and my quality of life, i can not imagine having 2 hemiplegic migraines everyday, its too hard.

i think most people who are in my situations can agree when i say, its not about the migraines themelves, i can handle the aura, the pins and needles, the occasional fog and slurred speech, but the effect on my quality of life and the lack of predictibility is the worst part, im always worried about things normal people will never care about, if i have an exam or a presentation, or work, im not worrying about messing up because im not prepared, its because im worried that a migraine will ruin the things i worked so hard for and its so unfair.

[Alexa49]

Yes sinuses can affect frequency of migraines sometimes congestion in the sinuses can be caused by allergens in the environment, foods, drinks, or by other factors like having a deviated septum and inflamed turbinate's which block the nasal airways making it harder to breath properly also causing lack of sleep. As well there are newer medications for hemiplegic migraines like CGRP for example Aimovig, Ajovy, etc. which have helped people with HM to have lesser migraines with aura or even stop the episodes from happening. Consider seeing an ENT doctor to check the internal structures of your nose and nasal passages as this can tell you what is happening with your sinuses and breathing. As well finding a good neurologist who specifically deals with migraines can also be useful with figuring out the medications to treat migraines.

[Kevin160 in reply to Alexa49]

i went to a neurologist today, he ordered me an orbit and brain MRI, all clear, except it said i had a severe pansinusitis so he said i need to check with an ENT which i booked for the weekend, i also bought a couple packs of sibelium which were prescribed to me before but i wasnt able to continue the course and i will likely start it after the ent appointment.

[Mary1959]

Hi Kevin, so sorry to hear you're suffering so much. I don't have the same migraines as you but I do have chronic daily migraine, and know what you mean about ruining your life. I do get occasional cluster migraines, which are excruciating, and I get blocked nose and aura with that. I've tried so many different things, like everyone with our debilitating illness. I'm trying physio next week as I'm running out of options. I know I can't help you, but want you to know, you're not alone. Take care x

[Kevin160 in reply to Mary1959]

this is so sweet thank you, i know there will always be options for us, im probably going to go back on sibelium which provided some comfort when i was on it, i also know that dealing with the triggers helps, i hope you keep exploring and finding something that works for you ❤️

[Mary1959 in reply to Kevin160]

You too, take care and good luck x

[marigoldtea in reply to Kevin160]

Hi Kevin, I wondered what specific side affects you have with Flunarizine. I am on it myself but some of my symptoms are increased with it, but like you find it also helps.

[Boeingbabe]

Kevin, get a cervical spine mri? Neck issues can certainly trigger hemiplegic migraines! Im a sufferer also. Sibelium really helps but is scary because of the potential side effects. Still. The auras can do long term damage so prevention better than cure. Get that mri +

[Orohere in reply to Boeingbabe]

hi, you mentioned neck issues affecting hemiplegic migraine.I have severe neck issues and hemiplegic migraine, do you think they could be linked?

[Boeingbabe in reply to Orohere]

I have no doubt. I have extensive damage and fairly sure theres a connection. Theres an asian australian neuro on you tube that has discovered that cervical issues trigger HM. Oerhaps get a cervical mri + Brisbane Headache and Migraine clinic on you tube

[Orohere]

Thankyou!

[Boeingbabe in reply to Orohere]

Over sensitised Brainstem they say. Have u tried Cgrp? If so, any good? If not, what have u tried? Im on sibelium at the moment. Im suffering terribly and cervical issues are debilitating. Need to see a neuro surgeon i think.....