Concussions lead to Migraines and CSA?
I suffered 3 documented concussions in my youth, and ever since the 3rd event, I have suffered migraines, using on my right side, sometimes with zig-zig light patterns (though that severity is rare). I have also since been diagnosed with Central Sleep Apnea, which did not occur until the 3rd concussion (central, not obstructive). Recently been experiencing near daily headaches, went to eye doc and spine/ortho and shows fine.
Could the migraines/CSA be causing this? Should I get a full brain scan?
I'm so sorry. Things related to head do seem to often start migraines in people who didn't get them before. My mother never got them until recently after failed eye surgery.
ugh- sorry to hear about your mom. I have a close friend who also started having migraine after an eye surgery. Appreciate you chiming in on this. Warmly - Holly (team member)
- Thank you so much for sharing this question. My goodness! You've been through a lot with three concussions. I'm so sorry to hear that the last event triggered migraine in you. The zig-zag pattern sounds like you are experiencing aura: https://migraine.com/migraine-symptoms/aura.
As to your questions regarding Central Sleep Apnea and whether or not that in combination with migraine is tripping you into a daily headache situation - and whether or not you may need a brain scan - these are great and important questions and ones that are best posed to a doctor. We are not healthcare professionals so cannot provide this kind of guidance. I would like to ask you whether or not you are working with a migraine specialist? If so, do you have a treatment plan in place for your migraine attacks? Thankfully, these days, there are numerous preventative and rescue treatments available for migraine.
If you haven't already, we would encourage you to have a full evaluation with a migraine specialist as these doctors (who are generally neurologists) have received advanced training on migraine and all types of headache disorders. If you are not already working with one, here are a couple of links to referrals for migraine specialists in the US: https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/find-a-doctor/. And: https://headaches.org/resources/healthcare-provider-finder/. These doctors can evaluate your case and determine whether a brain scan would be in order.
In the meantime, welcome to our community! I'd also encourage you to take some time to get to know our site. Search (upper left corner) for "Central Sleep Apnea" to read about other community members who are managing both migraine and CSA. You will likely learn something from what they share and/or have something to offer them related to your experience. We also have a fair amount of resources on concussions and how they relate to migraine here: https://migraine.com/search?s=concussion.
I hope these resources get you started in connecting you with others here who might share a similar journey to yours. We are so glad you're with us. Please know we are here to provide information and support anytime. Warmly - Holly (team member)
