Is this a migrane?

[resqgirl911]

Lately (well over the past year really) I have began to have increased headaches with nausea/ vomiting, light sensitivity, pounding behind my eyes, etc. Sometimes I have all the symptoms, and sometimes I do not. I have had "monthly" headaches since age 10 at the onset of my period, but these are happening at that time, and without rhyme or reason at other times of the month. I am senstive to smells like perfume. Sometimes I am just dizzy and sick, and sometimes I just wanna die. I am a registrered nurse that works in an ER so its impossible to function when a headache hits. This is beginning to wreak havoc on my working life. I had a seizure four years ago and the doctor was attempting to say that it was a migrane. Don't really know, I have been known to "black out" or hallucinate with these headaches. Kinda scary and very annoying.

[AJack]

Hi, it does sound like you're suffering from migraines but it is really important you see a doctor (preferably a neurologist or headache specialist) to get the correct diagnosis and appropriate screening (CT or MRI, EEG). You could have a seizure component to your migraines or have a variation of migraines that cause those symptoms. It can take time to get into a neuro so do see your regular doctor as soon as possible, especially because you are "blacking out".

Hopefully your doctor can prescribe some medication to start trying to see if you can reduce the frequency and or severity of your headaches and the impact on your life. Triptans are where most doctors start for abortives(meds you take at the start of the headache to stop it) with some combination of anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea med to help with the other symptoms. If you're having more than 2-3 migraines a month they generally suggest you take a daily prevenative.

Start a headache diary recording the amount of pain, medications you take, possible triggers for each day to see if you can find triggers. Make sure you're not taking over the counter medication more than 2 days a week and track your menses as well. There are options for treating hormonal migraines.

Please get help soon, don't let this reach the point that it impacts your life signifigantly. Best wishes,
AJ