Updated September 2019
I’ve had migraines since well, my teens — more intensely since my late twenties. I’ve seen neurologists. I’ve had MRIs. I’ve tried chiropractics. Alternative therapies (acupuncture, massage). Dietary changes. Botox. Behavioral therapy. EVERYTHING. I’m fifty-one now and as I write this, I’m on a preventive treatment that includes medication and diet, exercise, meditation, and therapy, and I still get them. In fact, I’m in a stretch right now that’s lasted about a week and it’s just as awful as you can imagine.
But I function. I’m luckier than most, though on bad days I feel like crawling into a cave of soft blankets and binge-watching Scandal reruns for hours and hey, sometimes I do. I may not be a gladiator, but I can watch them on TV.
Meds like triptans (Imitrex, Relpax, etc), aka serotonin receptor agonists, are the most effective in terms of treatment because they are non-addicting and work quickly. They can even be purchased at a lower price now thanks to online pharmacies such as the Canadian Pharmacy. Triptans narrow (constrict) blood vessels in the brain and relieve swelling (Source: WedMd). They are also expensive if not covered by your formulary, and don’t come without their own side effects (sensitivity to hot and cold, nausea, sleepiness).
Like any medication, you can only take so much without experiencing rebound (aka, a form of dependence), so you have to mix in anti-inflammatories along with stronger meds, if needed. Occasionally, I’ve had to go to urgent care for a Toradol (anti-inflammatory) shot or even the ER for a shot of Demerol when the pain has been THAT bad.
What’s interesting to me is that nobody, not one physician or health care specialist, ever once suggested that my migraines could in any way be tied to the sexual abuse I experienced as a child.
It’s only through my own research and connection with the amazing community of survivors (in #SexAbuseChat that I started in 2014 with therapist/survivor Bobbi Parish, every Tuesday on Twitter at 6pm PST — join us — all survivors and families are welcome) that I realized how commonly migraines occur in survivors (Update: Dearest Bobbi is now focused on her therapy and coaching business; I’m now thrilled to be accompanied by Cee Streetlights and Judith Staff, both wonderful humans and educators with master’s degrees. Please continue to join us.)
Let’s deconstruct.
PTSD In Abuse Survivors
Take a look at the research. Here’s just a quick sample:
“Several studies demonstrate that childhood injury or abuse makes it more likely to develop migraine later in life. The more severe the abuse, the stronger the link grows. These headaches are also more likely to be frequent and disabling. Severe abuse is also linked to other conditions, including chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel disease.
Chronic maltreatment early in life alters the brain’s response to stress. This may make it more likely to have migraine. A study of inflammatory blood tests suggests a mechanism for the link. In this study, adults showed higher levels of biomarkers in the bloodstream when exposed to abuse in childhood. Genes are also important in this process. Genes are responsible for how a person and their body respond to early stressful experiences. It is also possible that early stressful experiences may become hard-coded into DNA. This creates a memory of events that leads to impaired health at a later date.” (Source: American Headache Society.)
I’m honestly thankful to know this. It explains so much! To say that finding this out has been life-changing for me seems almost trite at this point.
There are people who say that knowing this is a crutch of some sort — that because someone told me that my migraines are due to the PTSD from the abuse, I now have an ‘excuse.’ Whatever. I’ve had these things for twenty-five years. I’ve seen the top experts and they don’t even know or understand the causes of migraines or how the brain works. So, good luck with your rationalizations. (Here’s more information on how abuse affects the immune system, which can also lead to migraines and other diseases. Source: American Nurse Today.)
People are well-meaning in the advice. I’ve heard everything from using lavender (done it) to Vitamin D (use it), to garlic (love it), to gluten-free (tried it, didn’t help). You may recall, I was in Big Pharma for seventeen years. My company made migraine meds (nasal spray — hated it, awful taste). I’ve bought and sold these meds.
I spent a lot of time with neurologists and scientists (as a patient, a sales rep, and as a trainer in the home office). I don’t claim to be an expert — far, far from it. The brain is this crazy thing that almost defies explanation. I do know that what works for one person may not work for another, yet sharing information is crucial.
This explanation about PTSD makes sense to me, but it doesn’t take the migraines away. And that’s okay.
Meds and U.S. Healthcare
One of my doctors told me something that has stuck with me all these years — there are no long-term physical negative side effects of having migraines. You have one, it goes away (eventually), and you get on with your life. Sure, psychologically, a migraineur, as we are called, lives in well, if not exactly fear — it’s more like dread — of getting one, at least we know we are actively living our lives and doing what we can to prevent them.
Some people don’t, though. They become addicted to prescription pain meds — typically opioids like Vicodin, for example. There’s a reason for that.
I used to have a prescription for it myself, for when the pain is really bad. My doctor can only write thirty (I’m in California, and since Vicodin is a controlled substance, a prescription must be picked up in person with ID, written in triplicate, and presented at the pharmacy by the patient, no more than once per month). These are federal guidelines, actually, which are only becoming even more strict. I only take them when the pain is unbearable and none of the other meds help. I don’t drive when I take them, and it makes it hard to write or function, which is why I avoid them until I just give in.
Triptans work differently. First off, they are non-opioid. Non-addicting. You take them at the first sign of a migraine. Some people aren’t aware of triptans, or simply can’t afford them.
Get this: one prescription of nine tablets of Relpax, the triptan that works best for me, isn’t covered by my PPO (Anthem/Blue Cross). The price: $250. FOR NINE TABLETS. I can only take two in twenty-four hours. If my headache lasts a week, that’s only four days worth, and I can’t get more for another month. If I take anything else (e.g., Advil or Tylenol), I risk rebound headaches.
Vicodin (or other controlled pain meds) are available in generics, are covered by insurance, and cost about $5. Despite it being more difficult now to get filled, it’s still an easier and more affordable option for people on a budget and in pain. It does not cost more to make a generic triptan than it does a generic Vicodin, but Pharma companies have years of research to pay off. Of course, there’s always the ‘street’ option, not something I’d ever consider, yet people do because of what I mentioned above.
I’m thankful there are non-opioid options for migraines that do work well for me when in fact, more and more people are turning to heroin to relieve chronic pain because of these new guidelines…but that’s a whole other post.
(Update: I no longer take Vicodin. Too much nausea and to be honest, it’s become more and more difficult to obtain a prescription. Physicians are so hesitant to prescribe even 10 or 15 tablets, convinced that people who are in true pain will become addicts, they won’t even prescribe it. It’s really sad, but that’s the position our politicians have put them in. Terrified to help the people who really need it. Sigh.)
Other Migraine Options
To avoid rebound headaches, I do non-drug and natural therapies like vitamins, meditation, yoga, and behavioral therapy. I also take preventive medications like Topamax and Diazepam (an antidepressant from EU meds, which is also indicated to help prevent pain, you can go to store to have it delivered straight to your home).
I also get Botox shot into my temples and jaw (yes, TMJ is part of my issue, too — isn’t this fun?) every three months. And though migraine prevention is a covered and FDA-approved treatment for Botox, my insurance company, in their infinite financial wisdom, refuses to pay for it. Don’t get me started.
There are also now THC and CBD options. See this content if you’re trying to get your medical marijuana card. Weed is completely legal in California, so I’m trying different types and strengths to see what works best for me. I prefer edibles versus smoking/vaping, because I don’t like the dab pen cost or any other vaporizer pen. I have found some pain relief, and though it’s short-term, that’s no different than opioids. The trick for me is finding what I can take that doesn’t make me want to sleep and/or eat everything in the house.
Figuring out how much CBD, or cannabidiol, to take is more complex than it sounds. While cannabis has been around for forever, cbd gummy rings are relatively new. As a result, there aren’t any evidence-based dosing guidelines yet. Most experts agree that if it’s your first time using CBD, starting with the lowest dose and gradually working your way up is the best way to go. If you are new with it, check this article which will answer questions like What does CBD feel like? One answer: The Entourage Effect.
Listen, this is my story. Knowing that migraines and PTSD are closely linked has been eye-opening for me because it’s a partial answer to a complicated question that has dogged me for years. People want to relieve my suffering and the symptoms of my migraines and give me a ton of advice, and I appreciate the love and support of so many caring individuals. I do, truly. What I’m doing usually works, and sometimes it doesn’t, which is why I’m here, sharing what I’ve learned.
I’d love to hear your stories about what does or doesn’t work for you, or those you know and love. Please share below!
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Carrie says
February 8, 2015 at 5:41 pmEven doctors can’t give a one size fits all solution for some symptoms. But, if I could change one thing about how I’ve handled my own issues, I would have taken a more active role in managing my health sooner and not lost hope when different things didn’t work for me. Great message here.
Rachel Thompson says
February 9, 2015 at 1:21 pmThank you, Carrie. I still haven’t lost hope, but it helps to understand so much more. So many docs treat the physical symptoms, instead of trying to understand the underlying disease because let’s face it, that’s what they do. They triage.
And sometimes, that’s what a person in horrible pain needs — relief. Talking about pain doesn’t often help someone in horrific pain — it’s after the pain subsides that we do the work. Good luck to you, sweetie.
Patrick C says
February 8, 2015 at 7:11 pmShit Shit Shit. I started getting migraines in my mid teens. My abuse started in 1970 and went through to 1981 when I was 17. it all makes sense now. Thanks Rachel.
Rachel Thompson says
February 9, 2015 at 1:23 pmAs we discussed on FB Patrick, it’s staggering, this realization. What’s sad to me, is how many non-survivors around us will minimize and deny that such a thing is possible, despite physical evidence and a plethora of scientific evidence to the contrary. But to us, who have suffered in silence for years with this pain (and for many, with autoimmune disorders and other chronic pain disorders as well), it makes sense.
I don’t care what anyone says — this makes sense for ME. Sending you hugs and healing thoughts.
Tonya GJ Prince says
February 9, 2015 at 12:00 pmI’ve suffered devastating migraines and other chronic pain since my teens. I’ve seen all of the specialists and like you, I realized that meds just weren’t the solution alone. Exercise, vitamins, supplements, managing stress, writing and doing diy projects work sometimes. Laughter is like medicine. I make laughter a daily requirement. I also have to make me a priority by finding ways to express my feelings & emotions in healthy ways.
None of it works every single day, but it gets me back in the ring the next day and I’m pretty tough to knock out. LOL!
Rachel Thompson says
February 13, 2015 at 11:14 pmHi Tonya! thanks so much for reading and sharing my article :). Laughter is SO important and thank you for sharing that. Emotions can be used positively and it’s important to remember that we can be in charge of them, not at their mercy. Great reminder!
I haven’t gotten into the DIY thing (not a crafty girl) but writing helps me quite a bit. Music and yoga also. Hey, whatever works for us, right? sending hugs :))
Cindy says
February 9, 2015 at 1:45 pmI find your article interesting for many reasons.
As someone who was molested in nursery school by a teenage boy, I have done plenty for that to be a past memory.
In my 30’s, the migraines began. So bad, the first one, that I threw up and couldn’t open my eyes.
I have done plenty of energetic work, healing work, psychic surgery which worked for years, when I had NO migraines. I use Young Living Essential oils regularly that are amazing. I eat basic natural foods, do not drink coffee, tea, soda or eat processed or fast foods. I work out regularly as well as linedance. My blood tests have come back that I am younger physically than my real age. I sleep well too. So for all of these reasons, I am in good health. While the essential oils have taken the edge off of a headache, if one gets really bad…. I rarely get migraines anymore. And when I do, these two things work like miracles.
Chewable children’s Tylenol. or Alka Seltzer plus cold medicine that you drop in water.
They work quickly because you chew and or drink them and are absorbed almost immediately, creating fast results.
I discovered this because the cold medicine was the only thing I had in the house and had a migraine so bad, I thought I was going to die. Within minutes of drinking the fizzy drink, the headache was GONE.
I support many aspects of your article and hope that these simple over the counter solutions can help before anyone gets hooked on more serious drugs. You are right on about the medical community, the lack of support to tie these together, the cost of medicines and other things. Aside from these simple cures, I am a huge advocate for doing the spiritual, mental, emotional, verbal and physical clearing work to get rid of the underlying reasons for the migraines. Psychic surgery was huge.
Good Luck!
Sheyna says
February 9, 2015 at 2:48 pmWow… I didn’t know about the abuse/migraine link, though it makes perfect sense. I did know about the abuse/fibromyalgia link. I’m also an abuse survivor, with the worst of it from age 4-10. I also had migraines starting at about age 12 and continuing at least 3/month (sometimes for 5-7 days each) until a year ago, despite medicine. I invested in Cefaly, which is sort of like a TENS unit on the forehead, which stimulates (and desensitizes) the trigeminal nerve. I used it once a day for about three months, then a couple times a week for a month, and have had precisely three migraines in the past year, none of which lasted more than 24 hours. Cefaly says it works for about 50% of people, so there’s no guarantee, but when one has tried everything else, maybe it’s worth looking into. (I’m not affiliated with Cefaly or anyone who works there, nor am I trying to push it. It’s not commonly suggested by med doctors, so it hasn’t gotten a lot of publicity.) Thanks for the article!
Rachel Thompson says
February 10, 2015 at 5:55 pmThank you for sharing, Sheyna (love your name, BTW). So sorry for your abuse.
I appreciate the info on TENS. I’ve done that in physical therapy, but not on my own. Thank you for sharing the info on Cefaly. Good info to know and it’s great to learn about more alternative treatments that don’t involve cutting or drugs. Sending healing hugs to you!
Mary Romero says
February 10, 2015 at 1:35 pmOhhh, my goodness….so many of us and so little time to tell it all!!! My abuse started when I was born and didn’t end until my father left when I was 9 years old. The physical abuse continued until I made the decision not to continue a relationship. Being number 4 of 5 children and 3 of us (that I am aware of) getting migraines is no surprise after this article and much research over the years. I am a ‘daily migraine sufferer’ and recently decided to try something I never even knew existed. Yes, I’ve done them all, alternative therapies, healing crystals, aromatherapy (can make it so much worse), neurologist’s, chiropractor, homeopathic Dr., Endocrinologist and I’ve lost count and names of the different meds I’ve tried.
I just had the second procedure done to burn the nerve endings in the back of my head/neck which is supposed to work for 6 months. That is, after the nerves realize they are dead after about 1 month! Painful, you betchya! But, I’d rather do this every six months instead of a debilitating migraine every day when I wake up. I yell, “Hallelujah” if I happen to wake up without one one day and try to get as much done as I possibly can before one starts. I have not tried the botox for the frontal headaches but they are going to try that when I go in the next time because, after 18 years of waiting, my insurance co. finally approved a form of it….no, don’t get me started on insurance companies either!
I am a Life Coach with my own business and it can be difficult just getting through a session with a client. There is also a link between Thyroid disease and abuse. All of us kids including my mother have some type of thyroid problem. Mine happens to be Graves Disease. What happens is, during the times of abuse/high stress (with victims, it’s usually constant), the body gets stuck in the ‘fight or flight’ mode. Therefore, it is always on ‘high alert’ and doesn’t know when to ‘turn off’. This is why abuse victims tend to have compromised immune systems in one form or another. I wrote my own story in my book, entitled, “The Breakdown of an All-American Family, an autobiography of child abuse, domestic violence and recovery” if anyone is interested. It can be purchased from my website and I am also coming out with a follow-up book, due out this Spring that will include a workbook on how to move forward in a more happy and healthy lifestyle. It will be entitled, “Re-Purposing Your Pain”. I am including a link to my website if there is anything I can do for any of the other victims out there. We do not have to survive, we can actually THRIVE! http://mmmcconnell.wix.com/core-coaching?fb_ref=Default
Rachel Thompson says
February 10, 2015 at 5:53 pmthank you for sharing your story, Mary. You have accomplished so much and it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of that! Empowering.
Interesting you bring up the thyroid issue — I too have that — Hashimoto’s for me. That showed up with the birth of my second child (my son) and the fatigue after his birth and C-section recovery was crippling. Abnormal. I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes and PCOS by a savvy female endocrinologist. After a year of diet, nutritional counseling, meds and exercise, I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight and energy and off most of the meds (save the Synthroid and Glucophage). I’m not off the Glucophage but it’s an up and down thing w/ that — we check my sugars every 3 months.
I’m still in that migraine stretch — in the past, I’ve done epidurals and a friend of mine tried the nerve ending burn and it helped her immensely. I haven’t ruled anything out. Mine are usually quite manageable with the Botox and my current regimen — this week-long stretch is an anomaly for me. I haven’t had one of these for over 18 months. I appreciate your thoughts and story. thank you and sending healing hugs!
Mary Romero says
February 11, 2015 at 12:59 pmYou are so welcome, Rachel! As I sit here and type, I am in the middle of a migraine. I had to watch my cholesterol for a while as well but have gotten that under control with diet/exercise. I’m trying to get off as many meds as possible, although, we know that Synthroid will be forever. I’m still not completely ‘sold’ on that one yet though either…(stubborn), I’m sure there is something out there I just haven’t come across yet to alleviate the need for that. A friend of my daughters’ father makes his own iodine and gave some to me to try. Didn’t see a significant difference.
I am thoroughly convinced now, after having the burn nerve blocks done, that these types of migraines will find the path of least resistance! I have woken up 3 days in a row now with a frontal headache so I am anxious to see how the botox works for those.
It is important for all of us to note your statement, “…it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of that! Empowering.” The fact is, life goes on and while we may be dealing with something that makes it difficult, it does not have to own us or make us think anything is impossible. We can strive and thrive!
Thank you for all your kind words and “healing hugs”!
Mary
Carol Owen says
February 12, 2015 at 3:07 amHi Rachel, thank you so much… its nice to hear the connections. I was abused from the cradle by father until I was 11 years old . I am now 52yrs this July and have suffered migraine headaches from the age of about 12yrs old. The migraines did get stronger as I got older and included vomiting & diarrhoea. My health gradually got worse and now for the past 10 years I have suffered from psoriasis and autoimmune disease that I can’t turn off the flight/fight responses, so adrenalin doesn’t switch off at all. But I never connected the migraines with my PTSD until you…. THANK YOU for that, makes sense now. I struggle every day to want to keep breathing because I am always sick with either, UTI’s or Vaginal infections, chest inflammation, sinus headaches, or something! I can’t keep a job for longer than 1 year because I take off too many sick days. I try very hard to keep positive and think that someday it will be all over and I will finally rest but until then, I will keep going although I have to say that somedays I just don’t want to wake up again. My 2 boys and 9 grandchildren keep me going…….. I am currently studying Diploma of Counselling and hope to go onto University next year for 5 yrs to become a psychologist. I want to help people like me not get to this stage…………… I just need more time and connections to work it all out. Thanks for your words of encouragement, its people like yourself that creates change and that’s powerful for people like me. Hugs to you. xx
Leslie Clary says
February 12, 2015 at 5:42 amI’m so glad to discover this blog! I’ve never had migraines so I’m lucky there, but I’ve had other health issues that I’m sure are connected to my abuse, which began when I was three or four and ended when my grandfather died when I was 7. I didn’t even remember my abuse until I was in my mid-20s. I’m 57 now and can see how pretty much my entire life was formed our of those three or four years of my life.
Helen Truman says
February 12, 2015 at 12:45 pmMakes a lot of sense, i have suffered from profound migraine since my teens, my incident happened first at 13 to the best of my knowledge, followed by a hell bent journey of self destruction via various chaotic circumstances and copious amounts of chemicals. Fortunately I came across an Alternative Education facillity which allowed me to find sense through perspective and a deeper understanding in my motivation in all things, even when i’m being a div ! So ~ the point i’m trying to get to is I was diagnosed with Crohns in 89, my treatment at the time, without exception, was later found to be a direct contradiction of what is appropriate, fortunately I was able to sign myself out of the care plan and out before the colostomy procedure,and wth care ful diet and stress management, enjoy 25 more years and 3 children I was told I would never have. I still suffer from migraine when stressed, but not nearly as much as before I was prescribed VENLAFAXINE which has really helped my condition which is now classed as ” migraine of the bowel “.
Ultimately I have learnt the need to address the elimination of emotional debris as and when you can as if it were your digestive tract, purge, defecate, employ discretion but above all learn not to be interested in it ~ much like taking a crap, observe what is noteworthy, but don’t twist your brain into according a particular shade of brown to it…let it go and move on, anything else will only exacerbate the auto immune process ~ which never bodes well 🙂
Spb says
February 13, 2015 at 11:30 pmMy daughter had migraines for years. Like the author we tried ‘everything’ with varying degrees of success but they always recurred weekly to monthly. When I got my Reiki certification I gave her Reiki during an attack. We both felt a heavy energy exit through her left eye. Her migraines have not recurred and that was over six months ago.
Patrick says
February 15, 2015 at 1:29 amThat’s amazing. I have had that feeling of a migraine ad its pain leaving a couple of times but never permanently. Your daughter is lucky to have you.
Lisa says
February 24, 2015 at 6:46 pmIve suffered from migraine since I was 8years old. My mom brought me to specialists; I underwent EEGs n EKGs, but no one had any real answers. For many years I suffered pain, nausea n vomiting with no treatment at all. I remember having them every day, but its been 38 years so needless to say they were frequent. By 10 they finally had a medication, but it needed to be taken at the very onset or it woupdnt work. Many times I would just get up n run out of class to the nurse. Many times I was too late. By my teens they finally had something that actually worked; Fiorinol. Something a teen like me would tend to abuse, but I knew better. I knew if I did abuse it, Id never get it again. So I took Fiorinol. In 1996 an auto accident exacerbated them. Upped them to daily for a few years. The muscle relaxers were a big help, but they were still barely under control. In 1998/9 when Imitrex became available as a shot at UrgentCare, Id usually make a trip a few times a year when theyd last 5 days.
3years ago I was diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, which explained A LOT! Doesnt change the frequency or intensity, but at least I know know Why.
Lisa says
February 24, 2015 at 6:59 pmIn the years since Ive been able to have a perscription for Imitrex, or the triptan generic, with an injection back up. I know my triggers, I avoid certain migraine causing foods. My worst offender has to be television. IIts overly bright, loud and strobey.
Florencia says
March 2, 2015 at 6:51 amI suffered three- and four-day migraines since my 20s to my late 40s. Now, I do get them sometimes but not as much. Triptans and Topamax helped for the most part, but not always. Two things made a huge difference: menopause and a drastic change of jobs. The first ended the monthly cycle of misery and the second reduced by a huge amount the level of stress. I am glad that research has shown one possible trigger for this debilitating condition. I’d like to see more research on the link of migraines to hormonal monthly changes.
Vanessa says
March 2, 2015 at 10:08 amThis is absolutely staggering. I once begged my brother to drill my head because the pain was so bad! Crazy to realise that childhood abuse will manifest itself SOMEHOW.
Janika says
March 2, 2015 at 12:00 pmAfter a lifetime of migraines from what is probably a multiplicity of factors and trying everything, what gave me true relief was ASTYM therapy at the base of my skull. Part of the loop was continual muscle tension creating TMJ, which causing gritting my teeth in my sleep (when I could sleep) and unawares when I was awake, which in turn created pressure and even more pain and tension until that whole area developed solid mass of scarred connective tissue around my muscles, and that limited mobility, blood flow, and oxygen and nutrient exchange. When I started physical therapy I had full disability with severe limitations and never once thought it would help my migraines, since I was also dealing with so many other problems. The tech who worked on my neck said around the base of my skull was the worst hard scarring she’d ever seen in anyone, and over a couple of months she microfissured the connective tissue and had me doing particular stretches so that I could regain mobility as the tissues rebuilt. Athletes use ASTYM all the time with great success, but it’s not generally offered to the public unless you ask for it and get a doctor referral, or find a massage therapist who has been trained, and it can get expensive. It WORKED. I rarely get migraines now, even though I’m still dealing with PTSD and other major problems, and as long as I remember to follow the training I got in physical therapy, I can retain more mobility and hold the pain down. If I neglect keeping up with it, my tissues start growing hard again and I basically have to start over. People who’ve never been through PTSD, depression, major illnesses that affect the nervous system, and maybe other things like car accidents really don’t have a clue how much fortitude it takes to live with migraines for years. I can’t sing enough praises for discovering ASTYM and it being allowed in my medical care program. Everyone reading this who has migraines, please give it a try. It’s hands on with a wonderful person who is well trained in pain management, which I found very supportive. Good luck to you all.
elizabeth says
March 12, 2015 at 5:27 pmIt never would have occurred to me to link the two. Thank you. Knowing doesn’t make them go away but it helps understand why.
Christine Cissy White says
March 21, 2015 at 5:26 amRachel:
I haven’t tried neurofeedback but I interviewed Sebern Fisher who has had migraines and developmental trauma and is the author of the book, “Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma: Calming the Fear-Driven Brain.” I loved her book even though I can’t afford (yet) neurofeedback.
But, she said migraines are a symptom of an “unstable brain” not meaning WE are unstable, meaning a highly stressed brain and I’ve had migraines too so i remember that (and that some insurance companies cover biofeedback though few cover neurofeedback).
Anyhow, I’m so sorry you have these because it’s a cycle that can suck.
I personally have exertion induced migraines (and the only way I can lift weights, not too heavy, is to take ibuprofen, like four BEFORE exerting). I also have exercise induced asthma. I think some mechanism is involved with it all – the body getting flipped out by itself and if that’s inflammation or what I don’t totally know. But I agree – it’s related to trauma and abuse for sure.
Honestly, crying my eyes out as often as possible is the best thing. When I’m high functioning and powering through and through and through I tend to go on automatic pilot. Get stuff done. Am kicking ass. But the body gets sort of thrown under the bus and self-care becomes something I’ll do later.
So, guided imagery before bed, which can slow my motor and make me cry and also music, also to make me cry, or movies, to make me cry are what helps me the most.
But it’s not 100% and I’ms sincerely sorry for your pain. It’s not deserved.
Oh, last thing – I have a funcitonal medicine person who told me about magnesium supplements (in powder form) as I was SUPER low and I do feel that’s helped my overall health. Plus, she gave me some antiinflammatory that’s not a heavy duty drug (I think it’s huge amounts of tumeric).
Anyhow, good luck and I love your work! LOVE IT!
Cissy
Nicole says
April 28, 2015 at 9:51 pmI love following you for so many reasons…and articles like this just make me love you more. This article just popped up on my FB feed. I’ve had migraines for years (& years), been diagnosed with fibromyalgia for about 8+. I didn’t know about this connection though I’d heard some talk about traumatic accidents or illnesses connected with Fibro. Though my drs at least don’t like to say “for sure” because you can only say correlation, not causation. Whatever. If working through my past gives me a better & less painful future I’m all for it.
I’m on Topamax as a preventative med, luckily my insurance pays for the generic Imitrex (9 pills a month) as well as a cocktail for my fibro pain that includes Methadone. Yeah, that methadone. It’s a wonderful pain killer & actually allows me to function without disturbing side effects, but everytime I see a new dr (or go to the ER) I get asked how long I’ve been “clean.” Besides trying pot once when I was 14 (even though I could easily get a Medical Marijuana card in CA lol) I’ve never done any drugs.
I also have an amazing massage therapist, a chiropractor & I’ve recently gone gluten free (I was diagnosed w Celiac disease) but that hasn’t seemed to help the migraines. Tomorrow, I’m bringing your article to my therapist. Thanks again for speaking so honestly you’ve helped me more than once.
Rachel Thompson says
April 30, 2015 at 1:08 pmThank you for sharing your story, Nicole and for your kind words. It’s amazing how people make assumptions about our stories — methadone is having a renaissance as a pain management tool. I’ve not tried it, but I know several folks with chronic pain who have. I’m glad you find relief. Good luck with your migraines and do stay in touch and let me know how it goes!
sending hugs.
Kathi says
July 8, 2015 at 11:08 amI want to say what a great article. For me it started with ocular migraines after my daughter was born. These were scary as it appeared as bright spots in my field of vision. When I called the dr. he told me to go to bed and sleep. Then the real migraines began. I am seeing a top neurologist and take maxalt, immitex, fioricet with codeine and botox every 3 mos. When I was hospitalized a nurse told me she also used to suffer but not is taking a beta blocker and her headaches have gone away. I can’t those because I have asthma so I take calicum channels which have helped but I don’t think these are as effective. I am also a survivor of abusive and found this article really enlightening.
Roxanne Rhoads says
July 13, 2015 at 3:48 pmThanks for the info. I had never heard this before. Explains a lot.
I’ve suffered from migraines since I was 12/13. I’ve taken most of the migraine meds over the years- Imitrex, Midrin, Fioricet, beta blockers even- plus all the over the counter stuff…each new med works for about a week then nothing. Pain killers like vicodin do nothing for me at all. I might as well take a few pieces of candy.
Now I just use herbs, teas and surprisingly the OTC headache powder- BC Powder, still looking for the magic combo that stops the pain but at least I can be functional most days. BC Powder takes the edge off right away and helps me keep going on with daily life. Usually. There are bad days where I just have to find a pillow and blanket and call it done.
Rachel Thompson says
July 13, 2015 at 4:24 pmHi Roxanne — thanks for reading and sharing your experience. BC Powder is an age-old formula of aspirin and caffeine — pain relief and vasodilation. As long as it works, cool.
Sleep is honestly the best cure for me, but it doesn’t always get rid of the headache entirely. I’m fairly functional with a dose of triptan (I’m currently using Amerge), and some Advil. I’ve doubled the Topamax, so we’ll see if that helps. I’ve also tried taking Claritin and that can help too — allergies are a component sometimes (I live in an area with a lot of trees).
Migrainers are so individualized — there’s no ‘one size fits all’ treatment. I did teas and herbs for awhile and found no relief but I’m thrilled it’s working for you! best of luck, R. xx
Lindsay says
July 14, 2015 at 4:06 amInteresting link between the two and certainly though provoking.
Asa sex abuse survivor myself, this really hits home. Thank goodness I haven’t had a migraine in awhile (knock on wood), it certainly makes me raise an eyebrow.
amber cates says
July 14, 2015 at 5:20 amThank u for this i have had migraines since my teen years (i am a survivor of multiple abuses starting at age 3) i never thought the 2 were related till now! Thank u for sharing!! Your are a true WARRIOR FOR SURVIVORS!!
Colin rowe says
August 24, 2015 at 2:20 pmBingo! Now I know why I suffered migraines from teens to 40. And now I have ME since 2003.
Mel says
September 5, 2015 at 8:48 pmThat is a pretty mind-blowing connection. I was abused when I was eleven. My migraines started when I hit puberty. I’ve never taken the serious migraine meds because my family has always been pretty anti-western medicine. I’ve learned to medicate with the old standbys of darkness, silence, sleep and strong black tea. Then I figured out that they were mostly likely to come on if I was studying really distressing material, which made me feel like a total wimp. It took me a few years, but I figured a way to build a kind of cognitive escape pattern (making up my terms as I go here) which I suppose could be a form of self-hypnosis. I get them a lot less frequently now, to which I attribute being pre-menopausal. Your article has been really helpful in giving me a fresh bullwark against the cycle of self-hating thoughts. Thank you.
Midniyte Gregg says
January 18, 2016 at 12:40 amI hadn’t had any sex abuse that I remember but I did have a narcissistic parent with borderline personality disorder and experiencing that can strip your boundaries and pretty much rape your mind regularly, so similar. Thank you for the correlations to think about.
Luccia Gray says
January 19, 2016 at 7:54 amI’ve just read your article, and it has really impressed me. A very close member of my family has had severe migranes all her life. She was a war baby and orphan, and I always supected something traumatic such as abuse must have happened to her. She also has difficulties with anger management. She has never discussed this with anyone, she’s 86 now, and I don’t think she ever will. She has very few migrane attacks at the moment. I have no idea how this could be addressed.
Kyrian Lyndon says
January 24, 2016 at 12:42 pmRachel, this is an excellent article, very insightful and informative. I was going through this for weeks, trying to find the source of sudden daily headaches. I considered everything from scented garbage bags to fluorescent lighting and even generic version of Lexapro as possible culprits. I haven’t had a headache for the past two days. YAY. But I feel for you, having gone through this for so many years. I’m glad you found an answer, because I find that awareness is key. I hope your headaches go away for good and very soon. xo
The rainbow Zebra says
June 4, 2018 at 10:29 amI’ve heard the opposite, that migraines increase your risk of stroke.
I had run of the mill migraines until age 34…I developed complex migraine disease after a rollercoaster coaster ride. I spent years trying EVERYTHING, preventives, abortive, rescue and the only med that kept me from week long migraines was an opioid, that was taken away from me due to this hysteria. Hoping med cannabis will help.
BUT the connection of PTSD makes alot of sense, where my migraines and other illnesses are concerned.
Rachel Thompson says
June 12, 2018 at 1:44 amHi Rainbow — yes, that’s true — being a migraineur does increase our risk of stroke (sorry if I didn’t make that clear). That’s why we shouldn’t smoke, etc. I’ve tried CBD (which is the medical cannabis without the THC) and found it meh. Now that I’m entering menopause, estrogen patches have helped quite a bit but I’m still having the headaches. Newer treatments are coming out that will hopefully be covered by insurance. So far, the Botox has helped me more than anything (and it’s finally covered by insurance — all except the $300 copay.
Good luck.