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Pulling at Hair & Other Symptoms

My husband is a suffer of sporadic migraines and these are typically his symptoms:

-Visual aura (tunnel vision or sparkles of light)
-Cycles of rolling/throbbing pain to severe piercing pain
-Usually occurs on the right side of the head between the forehead and the top of the head
-Severe pressure in this area causing the sensation of "my heads going to explode" which causes him to pull at his hair for relief
-Chills/shakes
-Lightheadedness
-Loud vomiting & dry heaving
-Moans and yells of pain accompanied by occasional swearing
-Restlessness - he can sit or lie still
-Usually no sensitivity to light or sound and he can hold conversation if need be

  1. I should also mention, when the migraine is severe enough, he will pass out from the pain.

    He has had them forever and they run in the family. Visits with neurologist and trials of every medicine concoction have not helped. The only thing that helps him find relief is an IV with Benadryl and dilauded.

    1. Hi again,

      I wonder if these could be cluster headache, some of the worst pain known to man. We can become restless with migraine pain, but it's very common with cluster headache.

      It sounds like he needs to seek out the help from a true migraine/headache expert. These doctors may be different from neurologists in that they are board certified in headache medicine, which is different than being certified in neurology. When you get a moment take a look at this articles for information on how these doctor are different and how to find one; http://migraine.com/blog/how-are-migraine-specialists-different/ and https://migraine.com/blog/really-find-headache-specialist/. And another link to check out lists all the doctors who currently have this special certification: http://www.ucns.org/globals/axon/assets/12644.pdf.

      Best of luck!
      Nancy

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