DELTA COUNTY -- Francie Larrabee has had migraines for the last 30 years. At her worst, she got them about 22 days out of every month.
Now, it's a lot better, but no thanks to medication. They tapered down after she had spinal surgery a few years ago.
“I'd take Imitrex,” explains Larrabee, “and I would rebound on that. It wouldn't work anymore. And all these different ones. I tried so many different ones. And you know, you just have to be an advocate and keep searching for why you are getting them."
Factors like weather changes, stress, and diet are triggers. But experts like Dr. Shamim Sultana said the best treatment is a preventative one.
“Depending on how often the patient is getting a headache,” said Dr. Sultana, “we can put them on the prophylactic treatment--prevention of the headaches where we can decrease the intensity and frequency of the headaches."
Prescription drugs, like beta blockers, can be used as a preventative. Ideally, it'll cause the migraines to decrease in severity as well. But sometimes, it never goes away.
“Well, you just try to stay positive, but you're smiling on the outside and on the inside, you're just crying because it hurts so bad. And if anyone you know suffers from migraines, give them a break because it is hell," Larrabee said.
Migraines can last for hours or even days. The usual signs are a constant throbbing pain and nausea. But a migraine can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition, so it’s better to see your doctor if it persists.
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