What to Do When a Migraine Lasts Over a Day?
I’m a 22-year-old female, weighing 253 pounds, and measuring 5 feet 5 inches tall. I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). For roughly the past six weeks, I've been struggling with migraines. Initially, I experienced just one or two occurrences weekly; however, I've now progressed to daily headaches. Notably, I had my first optic migraine recently, affecting just my right eye. Yesterday, I started noticing headache symptoms early in the morning. By 1 PM, the discomfort intensified. I took Excedrin, which offered some relief but proved to be temporary. This morning, I woke up with either a lingering headache from last night or a new one, and it worsened throughout the day. Despite efforts to manage the pain, including drinking coffee and eating, nothing has helped. Additionally, my urine is clear, indicating I'm not dehydrated. The only positions in which I feel some relief are lying flat without a pillow or hanging my head down. I’m also experiencing significant nausea and even vomited earlier, which rendered me unable to drive myself home. My speech has been slightly slurred, and I’m highly sensitive to light and sounds. Adding to my discomfort, my neck is in quite a bit of pain as well. I have an appointment scheduled with a neurologist on the 11th, but the pain is quite intense at the moment. While some online resources suggest waiting until day three to seek further help, my suffering is escalating. I have to be cautious with anti-inflammatory medications due to my EoE, and I've already exceeded my intended dosage. What should I do next?
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 9:31:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your intense migraine and associated symptoms. Migraines can be incredibly debilitating, especially when they persist for such a long time. Your situation, especially given your Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), does make management a bit more complex. Let's break down your current situation and outline some next steps.
Main Points
You are experiencing a persistent migraine with nausea, slurred speech, and neck pain. It's crucial to prioritize your immediate comfort and safety given your escalating symptoms.
Explanation
Migraines can last for several days, known as status migrainosus, and can lead to significant discomfort and disability. Your symptoms, particularly the slurred speech and nausea, indicate that this is not just a typical headache and cannot be ignored. Given your background of EDS and EoE, where certain medications may be restricted, caution is critical.
Next Steps
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms—including slurred speech and increasing nausea—consider going to an urgent care or emergency room. These symptoms could indicate complications that need immediate evaluation.
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Rest and Positioning: While waiting for care, continue to rest in a position that relieves your symptoms. Lying flat without a pillow or gently inclining your head may provide some relief.
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Manage Nausea: Since nausea is a concern and you’ve vomited, consider ginger tea or a non-prescription anti-nausea medication that fits within your EoE dietary restrictions, if you have them available.
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Hydration: Even though your urine is clear, continue to ensure you are hydrating with clear fluids but avoid caffeine as it might aggravate your migraine in the long run.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of your symptoms, including their intensity, duration, and any additional symptoms like light sensitivity. This may help your neurologist understand your condition more comprehensively during your upcoming appointment.
This phase of your migraine may feel overwhelming, but you're taking the right steps by reaching out for advice. Prioritize your health, and don’t hesitate to seek help right away if your symptoms worsen.
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