Has anyone had a change in their migraines after another illness?

[MonicaG]

I had a severe episode of flu which lasted about 5 weeks and since then I've been having more than one migraine a week, whereas I used to have about one a month. Does anyone know of anything that can help? I'm taking Co-Q10 and Vitamin B2 but there has been no change. Thanks.

[karmasempa]

I have also had a virus this winter that changed my migraine patterns. Sumatriptan is not working so well. My GP who is very good and was a neurologist said I had a terribly tense neck and the headaches were probably not the usual migraines and were caused by the tension.

I think he was right because since I have fought off the virus my migraines have returned to their normal pattern.

One thing that helps me in both cases, tension and normal migraine is meditation and relaxation. If I did not have that I would not be here at all.

[MonicaG]

Thanks for your reply, glad your migraines have improved. I also have very tense neck/shoulder muscles and have been having physio, but have just found a better place for sports massage - only been once but I can really feel the difference. How long did it take your migraines to get back to normal? It's been three months since I recovered from the flu, but I still have post viral fatigue and don't feel quite 100%. Sounds like relaxation and meditation have really helped you, I have tried relaxation in the past but it often puts me in a bad mood afterwards! I think I will give it another try.

[Charlotte_NMC Partner National Migraine Centre]

Hi Monica and karmasempa. I have spoken to our Medical Director about this and here are the comments he has made. I hope this helps!

Migraine frequency varies naturally so it is possible your increased attack frequency is simply chance. Other resaons for worsening in association with the 'fu, are that viral infections cause headache and anything that causes headache to anybody, triggers migraine in those who have a tendency to migraine. If you neded a lot of painkillers while you had the 'flu. this could worse migraine, as could loss of normal body rhythm while unwell.

It's unusual for 'flu to last 5 weeks - normallly it's over and done with in under a week. Are you sure that you have the right diagnosis there?

According to cliical trials, the correct dose of vitamin B2 is 400mg after breakfast, of Co-enzyme Q10 is 100mg three times daily. These can take a good two months to work their best.

You don't say what you're using to treat your migraine attacks - there are many good options: and some poor choices e.g. paracetamol/caffeine/codeine combinations. Among good drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, domperidone, and triptans it is important to take the right dose at the right time; and if treatment is ineffective, do not repeat that treatment duing the same migraine. Using wrong drugs, or right drugs at wrong time or wrong dose, can make migraine more frequent. A consultation with a migraine specialist might be worth considering, to be sure you have the best treatment.

[oldtrout48 in reply to Charlotte_NMC]

I think Rebecca's point is a good one - about when you are ill with something else, use of painkillers etc can increase. Whenever i have to use more analgesic for something else -eg after a recent op -morphine drip - (which i gave up after 12 hours cos of the effect on my migraine!) and paracetamol for back pain etc my migraines increase sometimes for weeks afterwards until i find equilibrium.

Re relaxation/meditation - may I suggest trying Mindfulness meditation.

(Developed from Buddist meditation but without any religious connotations in the states by Jon Kabat-Zinn for pain and stress but now an evidence-based therapy approved by NICE for prevention of relapse of depression - which of course has a higher incidence in migraine sufferers)

[MonicaG in reply to oldtrout48]

Thanks for the suggestion, I have heard of Mindfulness so will look into it further.

[MonicaG in reply to Charlotte_NMC]

Thanks for these comments Rebecca. I see a specialist at the National Migraine Centre and am aware of the reasons why my migraines worsened during my illness, I guess my main concern is that it ended 3 months ago and I am still left with the increased frequency of attacks (although I have to say I still don't feel 100%) I am as sure as I can be about my diagnosis (saw 3 different doctors, all agreed it was a severe flu like illness.)

Thanks for the supplement info - I was told the doses but not that B2 should be taken after breakfast so I will try that.

For most of my attacks my medication regimen of aspirin/motillium and frovatriptan is successful in minimising the pain, but every now and again I have an awful one that nothing helps with (like I had on Monday). I am coming back to the clinic in a few weeks to see if there is anything else that can be done.

Thanks again.

[Charlotte_NMC Partner National Migraine Centre]

Look forward to meeting you then. R