Even if you've never had a migraine, please read this post, but read it to its end. You might have them in the future or know of someone who can benefit from this. I'll try to summarize so it isn't migraine inducing post due to its length. It's basically a series of clues that led to an effective a not so effective treatment:
- I've had migraines for over 15 years.
- Recently I had 22 headaches in 6 weeks; all needing Imitrex and/or Tylenol 3.
- In preparation for a visit to a neurologist I kept a headache diary and found that only six were classic migraines. The others started with pain on both sides of my temples before zeroing in on the typical one sided migraine.
- No foods seemed to trigger the headaches, and although dr's kept telling me they were hormone related, it didn't seem cyclical in any way.
- The two sided pain was similar to headaches I experienced after being treated with traction for a neck injury.
- When given a guard for teeth grinding, it made the headaches worse.
- It is different and more complex than TMJ, it's a disorder of the trigeminal nerve.
- I happened to be at the dentist with an active headache and he had recently taken a course about this FDA approved treatment. I was very doubtful since the night guard was such a disaster, but in desperation, I agreed to try it.
- I've had one migraine in ten days and I'm cautiously optimistic.
- The only side effect is that my bite is rather wonky, but my dentist assures me he will address this.
Update: Not such a good update,actually. Fit of the device is crucial. I lost mine and my dentist made a new one. It fits slightly differently and the headaches are back. Unfortunately it can't be adjusted until he returns from vacation.
Another update after a year: It didn't work out well at all. The device changed my bite severely to a point where I had difficulty chewing and even my speech was affected. My jaw felt crooked and the headaches returned. Now, a couple of months after no device at all, things are feeling a little better. I've been to a neurologist, who feels my headaches are related to an old neck injury, and he will be trying Botox for migraines, which apparently has a very successful outcome. Good luck to all you who have arrived here after Googling for a migraine cure.
October 2008 Update – the Botox for migraines is working relatively well, with about a 75% reduction in the number of headaches. My Imitrex works for the remaining few. The Botox lasts about three months and there were no side effects. If you'd like further information, please leave a comment.
Knitting content: take a look at Darlene's version of my Herringbone Rib scarf, knit of Arte-new from Needful Yarns. The pattern is always available right here for the price of a comment.
Life's a Stitch 
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