STEM CELL
has anyone tried stem cell trial or had this as a treatment? i have been looking for trials in my area but there is NOTHING its changed the lives of so many people with other disorders such as cancer, HIV, EBS. I watched research project when using one's own stem cells they have been cured or hugely successful so I'm thinking why not migraines! is it because they can't see this in blood work or test results, well I have had MRI and have large areas of white matter my neurologist its typical in someone that's had migraines for many years. I'm hanging on by a thread here and have many thoughts of how I could end it all the only reason I haven't is my youngest son would really have a hard time with this but it's hard really hard to hold on i remember migraines as young as 5 at my grandmothers every time she gave me hotdogs it did not take long for my 5 yr old self to say no to them and every time i would cry saying my head hurt i was told its all in your head as an adult i think um yes it is in my head 48 years later still have them but they have gotten much worse they are every day all day!! im hoping someone will tell me of some special med or trick they used and they are gone. i have tried many many things to treat them thousands of dollars later 0 help!
Hi there - thanks so much for writing in with this question. We have a few existing resources on this topic that you can find here: https://migraine.com/search?s=stem%20cell. I can't quite tell if there's been any traction on it as of yet. I know how much migraine can take from us and that having something that could turn it all around sure sounds like a dream. I'm assuming you've tried the myriad of solutions available (CGRPs, Botox, etc)?
I hear that you've had a long and challenging journey and you're not alone in this. I've had them since I was 5 and am now 52. For me, the approach that helps is to employ a treatment protocol as there is no one cure. So, I do use a CGRP, Botox, a preventative, and a triptan. I have additional rescue medications to keep me out of the emergency room when things get really bad. So, it's like a full-throttled response. Connecting here with others who live with migraine also helps me to remember that I'm not alone in navigating these challenges as it can be so very isolating. We are here in this with you and here for you. Do you have a migraine specialist with whom you are working? For me, that has been key. We can connect you with one in your area if you are in need. Thinking of you- Holly (migraine.com team).Yes I have done botox I did acupuncture I had 6 sights of decompression surgery right that I actually had to pay cash because insurance did not pay for it that was 20,000 I've gone to neurologist for about 30 years All of them just want to give you botox even though it did not work for me I get migraines for everything infection If I have a kidney infection I have chronic stones so that causes my migraines
Thank you for helping me better understand what you've tried and how complex your case is. You've been through so much. I'm assuming due to how long you've had migraine that you have already tried the triptan family of drugs (imitrex, relpax, maxalt, etc)? May I ask if you've tried the newer class of drugs called CGRPs? These include treatments like Aimovig, Ajovy, Emgality, Nurtec, Ubrevly, Qulipta, etc? They are part of a newer approach/research on how to treat migraine and have proven to have a high level of efficacy. Here is a link to an article that shares more about this approach: https://migraine.com/clinical/cgrp-similar-different. If you haven't already, it would be worth discussing these with your doctor. Warmly- Holly -migraine.com team.
I'm sorry you have been suffering from migraine disease for such a long time and have not yet found an effective way to manage your attacks. Sometimes migraine can be very resistant to therapy regimens, which is very frustrating. I'm guessing over the years that you have seen a headache specialist for treatment options. Stem cell therapy is not something that is offered normally, even though the few studies they have done with them do show some positive outcomes. Here is a link to one of the studies that you may find interesting.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28690531/
The dark thoughts of escaping migraine through self-harm are concerning. My husband was at that point along his journey, and it was a scary time for us. I would encourage you to talk to someone about those thoughts. If you are in the US, there is a 24/7 hotline that is a great resource to use when you are at those low points. You can just dial 988, and it will connect you to The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As always, we are here to support you and provide you with resources you can use on your journey. Warmly, Cheryl migraine.com team.I don't have a migraine specialist I did see a man in Worcester mass he's the chief in New England I was contemplating on getting a Consultation for my decompression surgery he told me that if I go see this doctor for a consultation that he didn't want to have anything to do with me because it doesn't work I thought this was odd coming from a doctor migraine specialist for him to say such a thing I saw it on TV and there were several people it worked for, read people blogging about how the decompression surgery worked for them it did not work for me , He just wanted to put me on more medications & higher doses even though they didn't work. I would definitely be interested in a migraine specialist nearby it took me a few hours to get to his office it was a long ride for disappointment every time I'm so sorry the decompression nerve surgery didn't work for you. And that you had a doctor that didn't value your desire to give it a go. Our relationship with our migraine specialist should be one in which our opinions are valued and our voices are heard. Here is a list of current migraine specialists. I'm not sure exactly where you live so you'll have to take a look to see if there's one nearby you (there is an unfortunate shortage of these important doctors... of course): https://migraine.com/blog/looking-for-a-migraine-specialist. I would definitely encourage you to seek out a specialist and ask them about the CGRP treatment route. Thinking of you and here for you- Holly (migraine.com team).
I can hear from your post how draining living with migraine can feel, and I can’t imagine what it is like to go through all of this from such a young age. I think it’s understandable that you feel this way though, and I know that many people experience thoughts like these when their migraines are severe, and they wish for their pain to end. Migraine takes a toll with the pain, isolation, and inability to find helpful treatments. We have several articles about migraine and mental health you might find resonate with your experience: https://migraine.com/migraine-effect-on-mental-health. Please know we are here to listen anytime you need support or a place to vent. I'll also direct message you to see if there's anything else we can provide. In this community, you are among those who understand and empathize with the challenges of life with migraine. You are not alone. Wishing you a gentle day. - Kaitlyn (Migraine.com Team Member) 
Hi there- I'm so sorry but it looks like your comment got cut off. Would love to hear what you have to say if you could try again? Thanks so much! Warmly- Holly -migraine.com team.
