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Transformed migraines

I am an 83 year old male . Starting in my teens I had infrequent violent classic migraines with Auras , nausea,light and sound sensitivity , Over time they became more frequent and less severe until they have been chronic 24 hour headaches unaffected by medication or other variable. I was addicted to oxycontin which was helpful for my back pain but minimal help for my headaches , I detoxed from oxy but started again with tramadol. Again it helped my back but little help for my head . I use a personal function scale out of 10. I am typically a 6 or 7 which means I continue with my daily routines but aware of discomfort . A10 requires me lie down in bed. Usually at least 1x per week. I am never without a headache

My doctor says I most likely have MOD or rebound headaches. . I am de-toxing now and down from 300mg per day to 50. headaches Remain unchanged and other pain now excruciating. I can’t rule out MOH. but I am convinced I have ‘transformed migraines’ , apparently very difficult to cure and you must revert back to the periodic classic type before treatment I have tried various cognitive behaviour programs but as one major pointed out CB programs are highly successful except for the one case of patients who wake up with a headache and it remains all day. i.e. me.
Does anyone know about transformed migraines and any dr in Canada with a focus on TM

  1. ,
    We don’t give medical advice here, but here is an article about transformed migraine. I have found that my migraine attacks have changed over the years.

    https://migraine.com/blog/transformed-migraine-an-old-term-for-chronic-migraine/

    1. Hi Jydiakiw,

      Thanks for sharing your journey with us. You're not alone - many of us have had our migraine attack patterns and/or symptoms change over time.

      As Peggy shared with you, transformed migraine is now thought to be chronic migraine. However, if you are in a nasty rebound cycle, the bad news is until the offending medication is out of your system for a bit, you may continued to experience head pain. I've been in a rebound cycle and it's not fun, but IS possible to stop it.

      Seeing a doctor who is an expert in treating migraine and headache disease may be your best bet. There is an organization in Canada that may be of help in finding a doctor. You can see that here; https://migrainecanada.org/.

      Wishing you a low pain day,
      Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Advocate/Moderator

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