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Never ending Migraine

I have had the same migraine going on 5 weeks now. The pain dims (4) and spikes but never stops. And I can't go see my regular doctor. At what point do I go to the ER for this? I can't stand the pain anymore but it's not going to kill me so is an ER visit warranted? I'm at a complete loss right now.

  1. Hi Adlarrow,

    I'm so sorry no one was able to respond to you but do hope your migraine pain has subsided. A migraine attack shouldn't last longer than 72 hours as it puts us at an increased risk for stroke and a condition called status migrainous. You can read more about this here; https://migraine.com/blog/what-is-status-migrainosus/.

    I'm not sure why you are unable to see your doctor, but if this isn't resolved by now, please seek out treatment from an ER or urgent care facility.

    Please let us know how you are doing,

    Nancy

    1. Thank you Nancy,

      The migraine is still going strong. I tried going into the hospital for it, but that didn't work out at all. The pain was so bad I couldn't explain what was wrong, they couldn't understand me. I guess I was misusing words, which happens when they get bad like this. I believe they thought I was a junkie, which doesn't surprise me because I know I look like one, having lost so much weight from not being able to eat and the blisters all over my face that come with the pressure and pain. They stuck me in the waiting room and forgot about me and I ended up having to leave after several hours so I could take care of my children. I don't have insurance and can't work because of the pain, so a regular doctor is out of the question. There is a free clinic in the area and I'm on the waiting list to get in. I'm terrified that if I go in to the ER for this again, they will treat me the same way, or worse, take my kids from me.

      I'm going to read over that link, maybe it will give me some idea on something I can do in the mean time.

      1. You get blisters on your face during a migraine attack? Are they shingles or Herpes Simplex? Both are linked to neuropathy.

        1. Hi Adlarrow,

          I am sorry to hear you are experiencing so much pain. I definitely know how that is. There are a few things to consider. One is that JustJane has a point that blisters are not typical of a migraine attack. I am not a medical doctor, but undoubtedly other conditions can cause blisters and head pain. Have you been diagnosed with migraine in the past?

          Your ER experience sounds miserable, and my heart goes out to you. I would suggest that you try the hospital again, however. I know what it's like to not be able to speak properly during a migraine. Are you able to, in a more coherent moment, write down some important information before you go to the hospital such as: what your pain is like. How long have you felt this way. How would you rate your pain on the pain scale. Any other symptoms you have. Having something written like this may be the best way to get through to the medical staff at the hospital. You can also bring a list of current medications, and write down anything you know has helped you. Perhaps bring the article on Status Migrainous that Nancy put a link up for later.

          Though the ER isn't really the place to get a diagnosis, they can at least help rule out anything that could need immediate attention and hopefully, if you are able to communicate better next time, help ease the pain. That being said, you are not alone in your difficulty visiting the ER--it can be hard for so many of us.

          here is some information on going to the ER for migraine or headache that maybe will be helpful for you:
          https://migraine.com/getting-help/migraine-and-emergency-room/
          https://migraine.com/blog/why-does-the-emergency-department-treat-me-like-a-drug-seeker/

          Be well, and feel free to reach out at any time.
          -Lisa

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