Migraines got worse after surgery

[Elizka]

It is 95 days since my ablation for AFIB and I'm still experiencing migraine with aura.

I had a CT done as a precaution and all was normal.

History: I have had migraines with aura since I was a teenager (40 years) so they are not new to me, but with Nurtec and Aimvoig, I had maybe one a month prior to my heart ablation.

Woke up with a horrible migraine after ablation and they persisted for 35 days straight. Horrible and so not normal for me.

Now, they happen every other day and always start in my left eye with an aura. I can get rid of it with manipulation and an ice-pack hat, but it almost always it comes back the same day and I have to take medication.

My neurologist from Neura Health (great app and telemedicine program:neurahealth.com) switched me to the stronger CGRP drug, Qulipta, for prevention and to continue with Nurtec for episodic migraines.

He also suggested I try using a Celfy which I have ordered and will share results.

EP said the site where they did the transeptal puncture should be healed, but is it? She can't know for sure.

Hoping stronger CGRP drug works.

[tieaknot]

I’m sorry you’re going through this. I’ve had what I now know are migraine headaches throughout my life but my auras only started in the ICU after I had an open procedure on my aorta in my late 30s. Initially after they started, it was a daily occurrence for months. After 3-5 months they slowed down and it was 3-5 a week, and now 9 years later, I get them 2-20 times a month. I never know what it will be. They tend to come in clusters and I’ve never found a reason or a medicine that helps me. I also never know now if it will be just a visual aura or with head pain, nausea/vomiting/aphasia/balance issues/cognitive issues/mood issues/strange smells/numbness or tingling/etc. Like a box of chocolates, I never know what surprise I might get on any given day 😒

I do think it was related to my cardiac surgery for sure.

[Xandi2]

Have you thought of having a nerve block to break the cycle? I had an intractable migraine and it sorted it out brilliantly.

[Elizka in reply to Xandi2]

I get Botox every 3-4 months.