Occiptital trigger point injections
Hi,
This is my first time posting on this forum. I have what my neurologist calls "a complex case of migraine," whatever that means. I have daily chronic migraine. I have tried several preventatives, and do not tolerate triptans. He mentioned botox injections, and although I am ready to try almost anything, that is not one of them. He has sent a consult in to a pain clinic for occipital trigger point injections.
I realize all treatments/ meds results vary from person to person. I am interested to know if anyone has been treated with these injections, and what the side effects are. My job requires me to drive hundreds of miles a week, and I am worried about pain/ stiffness in the neck and head. What was your experience?
I can't afford to miss anymore work. I have depleted my sick leave, and will have to use annual leave just to get to appointments. My job also is very noisy, and even with hearing protection, causes my head to split. I also worry about driving so much. I may have to get a medical retirement. I love my job, but my migraines have gotten worse since I started.
Thanks for any input!
Hi 389qwi,
Thank you for posting and welcome to the Migraine.com discussion forum - we're so glad you're here!
I'm sorry you are having a difficult time right now, but you've come to the right place for support and information. Having a support network is vital when managing migraine, which can be frustrating and exhausting, and downright depressing.
I've not tried injections, but know a number of people who have and get temporary relief. These injections are typically used for pain relief, and may be helpful in evaluating who is a good candidate for Botox, which I've not tried. You can read more about this here;. http://www.achenet.org/resources/the_basics_of_trigger_point_injections_for_headache_and_migraine/
Most of us have tried so many medications it's hard to keep track but there are over 100 medications that can be used to treat migraine disease, so try not to lose hope. And when we add up all the combinations of medications that number goes up drastically. There are many patients who take a "cocktail" of medications to reduce their migraine frequency and severity. The thing is if we don't give each medication a fair trial, we'll never know which one would have worked. Something to keep in mind is it can take up to 90 days before we see a reduction in our migraine frequency and severity. During this time potential side effects may lessen as well. Let me share our information on migraine prevention with you; https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-management-essential-4-preventive-treatment/.
I hope they help and let us know if you have more questions.
NancyThank you for responding!
I think the most frustrating thing is not having neurologists and doctors LISTEN to me. They seem to have a predetermined set of questions to ask, and don't want to hear anything but the answers to those. I tried to keep stressing that besides the pain, the worst symptom I have is EXTREME brain fog/confusion/cognitive problems. It is really embarrassing and distressing while trying to work with clients and coworkers. Sometimes they just give you that strange look, as if you are "special." I feel my IQ has been reduced significantly!That all being said, what is the first medicine the new neurologist wants to try me on? Topamax, which of course you all know can have confusion and brain fog as a side affect. I told them I couldn't risk any more brain fog/ confusion problems than I already have! They finally put me on a trial of Indomethacin, which I hadn't heard of. When I got the tablets, the bottle said not to drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you! Well, I told them numerous times that I drive up to 900 miles every week! It was prescribed for 3X a day! I ended up waiting until the weekend to try it. The first I took was before bed, and I slept like the dead, which I haven't done in years. Not good. I mean good...no, GREAT, but not for driving! Anyway, since then, it's been alright, but what part of, "I basically drive for a living" do they not get?? Again, I think they were not listening. Very dangerous, in my opinion.
Sorry, I'm through venting, but it is nice to vent to people who have been there, done that! I still have not gotten the appointment I need for the injections. My concern is a sore neck, which may impede (again) my driving abilities!
Thanks for listening! 😀
I get occipital nerve blocks every few months to help with my migraines, and I've done supraorbital blocks as well but not recently. I get temporary relief from them but it's not anything I would rely on long-term. I didn't get a sore neck or anything from them, though.
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for your response!
I got mine about a month ago. They were not that bad, as far as the procedure goes. However, they made my migraines WAY worse. Back to the drawing board...*sigh*.
I think my 1st neuro was right, and the pain management doc that did the injections concurred...I think my migraines may stem from my neck. I had a severe whiplash injury in '92, and that was the year of my first migraine. They have gotten worse and worse, and so has my neck. I now have a consult for a neuro surgeon.
*Fingers crossed that they can help me!*
