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Cefaly: Actually triggering migraines?

I've had migraine for over 25yrs. Preventative meds have repeatedly failed, and I'm having botox in 2 weeks time (UK NHS). Triptans have been effective, but have each worn off their efficacy in varying times. Currently zolmitriptan is the only one that works. I bought a Cefaly Dual on the advice of Neurology, and am using it for both daily preventative treatment (20mins) and acute pain control (1hr).

I have had a new type of migraine start up which I'm linking to my use of the Cefaly at night before sleep. These are waking me in the night with sudden agonizing onset of pain through my right eye. Always the same side. Not every night, but around 4-5 nights per week. If left untreated, it goes on for a full 18+hrs (I tested this. Awful). It responds well to triptans. It doesn't respond to the Cefaly, although that at least allows me to go back to sleep. Has anyone else had this experience? Or am I actually just experiencing a new migraine type?

  1. Hi Tea-leaf,

    I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing increased migraine attacks, that's the worst!!

    Many of us have multiple types of migraine attacks and headache disease. By this I mean we can have migraine attacks with and without aura, and tension-type headache at the same time to name a few.

    When we have new and/or different migraine attack symptoms and/or patterns, it's always a good idea to let the doctor know so he/she can rule out anything more serious.

    Many times when we wake with migraine pain, it may be an indication of a sleep issue, and not only sleep apnea. Having a sleep study can determine if there is a problem, then you can have it addressed.

    Let me know what you think!
    Nancy

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