Migraines

Published

I am in awe of the number of students I have with "migraines". They come in smiling, saying "oh, I have a migraine" and proceed to talk non stop. They balk at having the lights off and door shut for quiet. I have one in my office now and he doesn't even mind me typing on this old, noisy keyboard. Most have imitrex or Maxalt prescriptions, meaning some physician believes this stuff. Our future for pain management seems extremely bleak.

Specializes in CPN.
I get migraines. I don't believe anyone who says they have a migraine and can still function like a normal human being. That's all I have to say about that.

I get *mild* non aura migraines and can still function most of the time (not at my best of course). They are one sided (always my front right), don't respond to 800mg IBU, and last for several hours to (more likely) a couple days. I also have chronic headaches though, which do respond to medication, so I know the difference. With that said though, it took me awhile to believe that what I was experiencing was a migraine, precisely because I thought it wasn't "bad enough." I don't go around telling people I have a migraine though, unless it's so bad I need to sleep/rest. Just my experience though.

ETA: I did have an ocular migraine when I was pregnant though. It freaked me out! I thought I was getting pre eclampsia for all of 5 minutes until I checked my BP and talked to my provider. The funny thing is, the migraine I got after the visual disturbance wasn't terrible either. This is another reason why I've accepted that I do get *mild* migraines.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I get migraines. I don't believe anyone who says they have a migraine and can still function like a normal human being. That's all I have to say about that.

If you can walk or form complete sentences - it isn't a migraine.

Not all migraines are this severe. 7 Types of Migraine: Which Do You Have?

Most of the migraines I get only cause aura for a short time (around 30 minutes, not even worth treating). Sometimes I'll have unilateral pain with light sensitivity/nausea that is easily taken care of with Excedrin Migraine. I can count on one hand the number of migraines I've had that were debilitating. There's a spectrum of severity.

Not to say the migraine self-diagnosis is not overused, for sure it is, but there are migraines that are less severe.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I've never had a migraine. Sweet Petunia gets them and goes into the "other side" for a day or two. I understand there are degrees of involvement but I do get tired of the kids who skip into the clinic, big grin on their face, wanting their migraine medicine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.
I get migraines. I don't believe anyone who says they have a migraine and can still function like a normal human being. That's all I have to say about that.

I have chronic migraine and I am able to function most days. Just because I am, doesn't mean I don't have migraine. THere are days that are particularly bad, I have been to the ED for relief, and I have had days when I couldn't crawl out of bed. The fact remains that migraine affects each of us differently and if someone is able to cope and function, it doesn't mean they don't have migraine. And, not all migraines cause head pain. Headache is jus a symptom of migraine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School nursing.

I recently had one kid diagnosed with migraines. They were definitely migraines, as parent had history of them as well. But student was prescribed 1/2 tab Imitrex at the onset of any headache. Kid was taking Imitrex 6-7 times a week. Had order for it at school as well - I was a bit baffled by it given I had never seen that before and it wasn't my first Imitrex rodeo. Was prescribed by PCP. I talked with parent and PCP about it to confirm when I got the order (parent did think it was weird as parent didn't have such instruction with their own prescription).

Saw Neuro consult two weeks later, changed to ibuprofen at onset and 1/2 tab imitrex if headache continues. Me and student worked out plan for him to see within 15 minutes of headache onset when I knew ibuprofen was likely to be more effective. When student arrives, student is very functional. But if student didn't take that ibuprofen, student will not be within 30 minutes.

But to balance this, I do have several other students call a headache that started .

Up Vote Up Vote ×
This particular student is constantly on screens. I agree with your assessment, why do parents always want to exaggerate their child's issue?

Sounds more like the docs to me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I get migraines and Excedrin Migraine or plain aspirin are my drugs of choice. As long as I take one of those early in the prodromal period it works beautifully. Miss that window and I am debilitated for a good 24 hours with light and sound sensitivity, nausea and excruciating pain. Those drugs working doesn't exclude a migraine diagnosis. They work for me far better than Imitrex and that class of drug ever have. Nobody with migraines who ever saw mine would doubt the diagnosis. ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have a little who comes into my office and says "I've got a migraine." I spoke to mom on the phone later and said "she had a headache. She called it a migraine," and mom let out a "HA!" and said "ok so she had a headache. I know I shouldn't laugh but that's so dramatic." I'm glad mom isn't fostering the "migraine" talk.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in kids.

The kids I have with a migraine diagnosis really do suffer with them. Their eyes are glazed over and they are trying to get out of the light! Those who don't have that diagnosis, I do try to teaseout their symptoms...and if wararanted suggest further follow up with their PCP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatrics, school nursing.

I've got one presently who was on a preventative last year (not sure what) but Mom (who's a nurse) took him off it over the summer because "he was doing so well!"... Now, the Rx has expired and guess who's gone home 3x in the past week d/t migraines while they wait for their f/u to get the Rx reinstated.... sigh.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.

I have a question. I have a student that mother said he needs to take some small tiny white round pills (kinda flat) for headaches. The RX form says Metoclopramide 5mg, for onset of headache.

Is that for migranes or what can it be used for?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IMC, school nursing.
I have a question. I have a student that mother said he needs to take some small tiny white round pills (kinda flat) for headaches. The RX form says Metoclopramide 5mg, for onset of headache.

Is that for migranes or what can it be used for?

It is reglan, a GI motility stimulator. Probably prescribed for the abdominal migraine version. One of the listed side effects IS headache.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion