My Chronic Migraines Only Respond to Steroids?
I am a chronic migraine sufferer for 10+ years. I have tried every migraine medication, weird off label preventative, botox, nerve blocks, you name it. My migraines are worsening in terms of severity/ nausea/ pain. The only thing that works on my migraines are steroids (oral, or epidural). Has anyone else had this experience and if so did you find an underlying cause related to this? My Doctor will allow me to keep getting the steroid epidurals every 4 months but it seems to me there has to be something (nerve inflammation, vascular inflammation, ect) that the steroids are treating that are causing the migraines to begin with?
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 1:01:05 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a challenging journey with your chronic migraines, and I appreciate you're searching for answers and relief. You’re correct in observing that finding a consistent treatment can sometimes point to an underlying issue, especially if steroids are the only effective option for you.
Main Points:
- Chronic migraines can have multiple underlying causes and might be linked to inflammation.
- Steroids may be addressing inflammation, which could be a part of your migraine trigger.
- It's crucial to investigate further, even with your current treatment.
Explanation: Chronic migraines can arise from various factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, stress, and inflammation. When you find that steroids are effective, it suggests that inflammation—possibly in the nerves or blood vessels in the head—might be contributing to your headaches. While steroids can provide temporary relief, they are not typically a long-term solution due to potential side effects.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track the frequency, duration, and intensity of your migraines. Note any potential triggers, such as food, stressors, sleep patterns, and weather changes. This can help you and your doctor identify patterns.
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Explore Additional Testing: Discuss with your doctor the possibility of tests, such as imaging (like MRI) or blood tests, to rule out other conditions that could contribute to inflammation or structural issues. Conditions like Chiari malformation, cervical spine issues, or autoimmune disorders may warrant investigation.
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Consider Additional Treatment Options: Inquire about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or other preventive therapies that might have not been tried yet. Sometimes combining therapies (like nerve blocks with medication) can yield better control.
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Lifestyle Modifications: Implement stress management techniques (such as yoga or meditation), and regular exercise, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule to reduce triggers.
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Discuss Neurologist Referrals: If not already, consider working with a headache specialist or neurologist who may have experience with complex cases and can provide alternative insights or approaches.
Your experience is important, and ongoing discussions with your healthcare provider can help tailor a plan that addresses your unique needs. Please remember that everyone’s case is different, and it may take some time to find the most effective management strategy.