Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

Anyone been hospitalized to break a migraine cycle?

I have had this constant headache/migraine since June 10th. I have been to a neurologist that put me on a 2 week Medrol dose regimen...my primary dr who prescribed various triptans and Metropolol....and a pain specialist who gave me trigger point injections in my neck and shoulders, along with Tizanidine. I just started Topamax last week and am having lots of anxiety from it. My primary dr is talking about putting me in the hospital for a few days to try and "break the pain cycle", and I wondered if anyone else has tried that and if so, what did they do for you while you there and did it actually help? Thanks in advance for your answers!

  1. Yes, I have been hospitalized multiple times over my life for migraines. They usually give you "cocktails" every certain amount of hours and some docs will also give you pain meds by iv when you are in.

    1. mag1961,

      You will certainly not be the first migraineur to be hospitalized for intractable migraine if you do indeed go that route. Below you'll find a couple of articles you may find helpful. Most patients I've talked with have had significant relief after being hospitalized and/or getting IV therapy.

      https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-treatment-experiences-iv-therapy-intractable-migraine/
      https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-treatment-iv-magnesium-sulfate/

      Let us know how you're doing and, if you do get hospitalized, how it goes. We'll be thinking of you.

      Sincerely,
      Janet G.
      "The Migraine Girl"

      1. When I have a cycle I can't break, I go to my local ED. They give me a fluids and a concoction of meds. The first couple times I went I feel like they treated me like a drug seeker, so now I have my doctor call ahead with instructions on what works for me. That way there's no beating around the bush and trying things I know won't work. I usually feel good enough to be discharged after 6 hours. Good luck!

        1. chebbot,

          This is priceless advice! "The first couple times I went I feel like they treated me like a drug seeker, so now I have my doctor call ahead with instructions on what works for me. That way there’s no beating around the bush and trying things I know won’t work. "

          Good for you. Thank you for sharing your story.

          -Janet G.
          "The Migraine Girl"

          1. I've had the same reaction from ED drs. I actually had a dr threaten to "red flag" me as a drug abuser and I have never abused drugs. Too bad my drs office will not call ahead they will just say "if the pain is that bad go to ED".

        Please read our rules before posting.