Question:
I’ve had the same thing lately–I think that it’s allergy/sinus related, and that the condition may be a trigger for migraine. I’ll miss the signals because of this, and not medicate in time. Next time, my plan is to treat for migraine at the beginning, and not wait to see if it’s just a sinus problem. Good luck! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone else get a scratchy throat with their migraines? Everytime I get a migraine, my voice gets deeper and hoarse, like I’m recovering from laryngitis – although my throat does not hurt. My best friend told me she could tell when I was getting a migraine (or already had one) based on the sound of my voice, even over the telephone. Just in case it’s medicine related, I take the following every day: Depakote 250 mg, 3 times a day Nortriptyline 25 mg, at bedtime And when I get a migraine, I take the following (with some food, of course): Duradrin, 1 every 4 hours Fioricet, 1 every 4 hours (during the day or when the pain is not too bad) or Fioricet with Codeine, 1 every 4 hours (at night or when the pain is REALLY bad) Does anyone else get this? Do you know what’s causing it – or if I should be worried about it? Is it a reaction to some medication? Thanks. Heidi :)
Response:
Does anyone else get a scratchy throat with their migraines?
Do you think your migraines could be related to an allergy of some type? Swelling of the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract is one manifestation of an allergic reaction to something, usually but not always something inhaled. Have you and your doctor ruled this out? If not, maybe it’s something to investigate. Good luck. –m
Response:
Does anyone else get a scratchy throat with their migraines? Everytime I get a migraine, my voice gets deeper and hoarse, like I’m recovering from laryngitis – although my throat does not hurt. My best friend told me she could tell when I was getting a migraine (or already had one) based on the sound of my voice, even over the telephone. Just in case it’s medicine related, I take the following every day: Depakote 250 mg, 3 times a day Nortriptyline 25 mg, at bedtime And when I get a migraine, I take the following (with some food, of course): Duradrin, 1 every 4 hours Fioricet, 1 every 4 hours (during the day or when the pain is not too bad) or Fioricet with Codeine, 1 every 4 hours (at night or when the pain is REALLY bad) Does anyone else get this? Do you know what’s causing it – or if I should be worried about it? Is it a reaction to some medication? Thanks. Heidi :)
Response:
Robin – You might want to read Oliver Sacks’ book, MIGRAINE, and see all the whacky ways migraines can manifest themselves. I don’t know for sure if he addresses the symptoms you’ve been having but it’s worth checking. At any rate it’s a good book for all of us migraine sufferers to read. Good luck! –Nancy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m really wondering about the throat/headache connection. I have frequent headaches (5x a week) and migraine a few times a month. I also get sick once a month or so, with a bad sore throat, headache, sometimes swollen glands on one side of the neck, hot, general malaise kind of thing. My internist keeps saying that it’s sinus infection and prescribing antibiotics. I don’t know that it is sinus infection–I don’t get any of the usual nasal discharge. I’m very concerned about taking so many antibiotics, although I do get better from them (until the next episode). The neurologist I just started seeing says that often throat, sinus and migraine problems are related. I asked if I could be allergic to something–I’m 36 and have never had an allergy. He said no, you aren’t having allergy symptoms. The neurologist put me on inderal, which is reducing the amount of headaches (I’ve had 3 in the last 10 days), but making me feel comatose. And I woke up yesterday with my usual bad sore throat, headache, sick feeling. Any thoughts at all? I anxiously await your input. Thanks. Robin
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I sometimes feel a slight pain or tightness in the throat, but I think it’s from the Imitrix. Jamie
Response:
Does anyone else get a scratchy throat with their migraines?
Yep- I do, but, I *think* that it’s from the Cafergot which I usually take. I’ll try to be more observant in the future. Jack Sandweiss Research Associate California Medical Clinic for Headache Encino, CA
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m really wondering about the throat/headache connection. I have frequent headaches (5x a week) and migraine a few times a month. I also get sick once a month or so, with a bad sore throat, headache, sometimes swollen glands on one side of the neck, hot, general malaise kind of thing. My internist keeps saying that it’s sinus infection and prescribing antibiotics. I don’t know that it is sinus infection–I don’t get any of the usual nasal discharge. I’m very concerned about taking so many antibiotics, although I do get better from them (until the next episode). The neurologist I just started seeing says that often throat, sinus and migraine problems are related. I asked if I could be allergic to something–I’m 36 and have never had an allergy. He said no, you aren’t having allergy symptoms. The neurologist put me on inderal, which is reducing the amount of headaches (I’ve had 3 in the last 10 days), but making me feel comatose. And I woke up yesterday with my usual bad sore throat, headache, sick feeling. Any thoughts at all? I anxiously await your input. Thanks. Robin
hmmmmmm, I’m just another sufferer, but sounds like allergic/trigger reactions to me. But then I’m really lucky in having a neurologist who became one because she suffers migraines, so she is very motivated. maj If you take away the fuel, in time the flames will die.
Response:
I’m really wondering about the throat/headache connection. I have frequent headaches (5x a week) and migraine a few times a month. I also get sick once a month or so, with a bad sore throat, headache, sometimes swollen glands on one side of the neck, hot, general malaise kind of thing. My internist keeps saying that it’s sinus infection and prescribing antibiotics. I don’t know that it is sinus infection–I don’t get any of the usual nasal discharge. I’m very concerned about taking so many antibiotics, although I do get better from them (until the next episode). The neurologist I just started seeing says that often throat, sinus and migraine problems are related. I asked if I could be allergic to something–I’m 36 and have never had an allergy. He said no, you aren’t having allergy symptoms. The neurologist put me on inderal, which is reducing the amount of headaches (I’ve had 3 in the last 10 days), but making me feel comatose. And I woke up yesterday with my usual bad sore throat, headache, sick feeling. Any thoughts at all? I anxiously await your input. Thanks. Robin
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m really wondering about the throat/headache connection. I have frequent headaches (5x a week) and migraine a few times a month. I also get sick once a month or so, with a bad sore throat, headache, sometimes swollen glands on one side of the neck, hot, general malaise kind of thing. My internist keeps saying that it’s sinus infection and prescribing antibiotics. I don’t know that it is sinus infection–I don’t get any of the usual nasal discharge. I’m very concerned about taking so many antibiotics, although I do get better from them (until the next episode). The neurologist I just started seeing says that often throat, sinus and migraine problems are related. I asked if I could be allergic to something–I’m 36 and have never had an allergy. He said no, you aren’t having allergy symptoms. The neurologist put me on inderal, which is reducing the amount of headaches (I’ve had 3 in the last 10 days), but making me feel comatose. And I woke up yesterday with my usual bad sore throat, headache, sick feeling. Any thoughts at all? I anxiously await your input. Thanks. RobinDear Robin
If you are having headaches that frequently, then I doubt it is anything to do with your throat. According to many clinical studies, the incidence of sinus related headache is really quite rare. I just came off of inderal and found that it didn’t really help me that much. In fact, the side effects are lethergy and depression. Do yourself a favor and try Lodine, an NSAID. Its one of the newer ones on the market and the side effects are quite tame. If your headaches are severe, then you may try Fiorinal. Its very effective, but it can make your thinking cloudy. Also, you should probably consider finding a neurologist who specializes in headaches. Check you yellow pages under physicians-neurology and you will see a few who advertise headaches as their specialty. Or, call the National Headache Foundation and request that they send you a list of doctors in your area who treat headaches. Best Regards AJ
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m really wondering about the throat/headache connection. I have frequent headaches (5x a week) and migraine a few times a month. I also get sick once a month or so, with a bad sore throat, headache, sometimes swollen glands on one side of the neck, hot, general malaise kind of thing. My internist keeps saying that it’s sinus infection and prescribing antibiotics. I don’t know that it is sinus infection–I don’t get any of the usual nasal discharge. I’m very concerned about taking so many antibiotics, although I do get better from them (until the next episode). The neurologist I just started seeing says that often throat, sinus and migraine problems are related. I asked if I could be allergic to something–I’m 36 and have never had an allergy. He said no, you aren’t having allergy symptoms. The neurologist put me on inderal, which is reducing the amount of headaches (I’ve had 3 in the last 10 days), but making me feel comatose. And I woke up yesterday with my usual bad sore throat, headache, sick feeling. Any thoughts at all? I anxiously await your input. Thanks. RobinDear Robin If you are having headaches that frequently, then I doubt it is anything to do with your throat. According to many clinical studies, the incidence of sinus related headache is really quite rare. I just came off of inderal and found that it didn’t really help me that much. In fact, the side effects are lethergy and depression. Do yourself a favor and try Lodine, an NSAID. Its one of the newer ones on the market and the side effects are quite tame. If your headaches are severe, then you may try Fiorinal. Its very effective, but it can make your thinking cloudy. Also, you should probably consider finding a neurologist who specializes in headaches. Check you yellow pages under physicians-neurology and you will see a few who advertise headaches as their specialty. Or, call the National Headache Foundation and request that they send you a list of doctors in your area who treat headaches. Best Regards AJ
Im a 27 year old femal and have had headaches for about 12 years, In the last 2 years or so, They have gotten worse. I’ve been to 11 diff. doctors in two years, Complaning of severe migraines, sore throat, joint pain, dizziness, sinus pressure,sensitivity to smells,etc… I’ve been to the best neurologist in Austin, he put me on meds, put me in the hospital for four days, nothing. I was missing at least 1-2 days of work a week, felt sick all the time, was on all the drugs you could think of, from anti-depressants to narcotics, they only covered up my headache, once the drug wore off my headache would reappear. I had come to the point , I was out of work for 2 months, in bed, sick all the time, taking all the drugs I could get my hands on. THEN, my mother was on line and read about a Doctor here in Austin, that helped people with headaches, He is an allergy doctor, he was an Emergency Room Tech. and was suffering from h/a’s, and know one new why, so he set out to find out why, and he did, ALLERGIES. All along I told the doctors I thought it was allergy related, but they all told me It wasn’t. My insurance wouldn’t cover allergy treatment. So, I went and talked to him and by looking at me he could tell what side I had my headaches on and where I was feeling the pain right there in his office, He was right on. I wasnt sure if this was really what was causing my h/a’s all the other Dr.s I had seen said It wasn’t, who was I to argue? Im paying it out on my own, and I’ve never felt better. He has me give my self shots every other day,(at first, they where so bad I gave my self shots up to 6 times a day.) but it works! I’ve been seeing him for about 5 months and I feel great( I still get my menstral h/a) but it isnt as bad. I have severe allergies to molds, and trees, and hormones. Austin is not a place for people with allergies, I’ve lived here most my life, and now I live almost h/a free. He has also found that I’m very allergic to my own hormones, so I also have a shot to level them out.I had a friend that his Dr. tested him for allergies and told him he had no allergies go to my Dr., and He said he did and put him on shots also, Hes doing much better. I could go on for ever, I would recomend seeing an alergist, It sounds like it could be allergies. I would also read up on allergies, there are many books, I have also found that Doctors don’t like to refer to allergists. You might have to research it your self. Also, see Allergy online. FYI- my doctors name: Russell R. Roby, LL.B.,M.D. 3410 Far West , Suite 110 Austin, Texas 78731 (512)338-4336 I’m Sorry if I went on to long, I’ve been there and take it personal. D-
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Robin – You might want to read Oliver Sacks’ book, MIGRAINE, and see all the whacky ways migraines can manifest themselves. I don’t know for sure if he addresses the symptoms you’ve been having but it’s worth checking. At any rate it’s a good book for all of us migraine sufferers to read. Good luck! –Nancy I’m really wondering about the throat/headache connection. I have frequent headaches (5x a week) and migraine a few times a month. I also get sick once a month or so, with a bad sore throat, headache, sometimes swollen glands on one side of the neck, hot, general malaise kind of thing. My internist keeps saying that it’s sinus infection and prescribing antibiotics. I don’t know that it is sinus infection–I don’t get any of the usual nasal discharge. I’m very concerned about taking so many antibiotics, although I do get better from them (until the next episode). The neurologist I just started seeing says that often throat, sinus and migraine problems are related. I asked if I could be allergic to something–I’m 36 and have never had an allergy. He said no, you aren’t having allergy symptoms. The neurologist put me on inderal, which is reducing the amount of headaches (I’ve had 3 in the last 10 days), but making me feel comatose. And I woke up yesterday with my usual bad sore throat, headache, sick feeling. Any thoughts at all? I anxiously await your input. Thanks. Robin
The sore throat, swollen lymph glands sound like an autoimmune reaction. I have lupus and migraines and this happens to me all the time.
Response:
Does anyone else get a scratchy throat with their migraines? Do you think your migraines could be related to an allergy of some type? Swelling of the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract is one manifestation of an allergic reaction to something, usually but not always something inhaled. Have you and your doctor ruled this out? If not, maybe it’s something to investigate.
I almost always get some nasal/sinus involvement with my classic migraines — not always with common ones. I’ve never completely determined which comes first. It’s almost part of the prodrome period. It is also a symptom of migraines. I’ve always attributed the scratchy throat/Lauren Bacall immititaion voice to the post nasal drip that irritates my throat. My allergies rarely trigger a migraine unless it’s a prolonged attack (allergy, that is). I have had chemical sensitivities trigger migraines, but this is very difficult to test for since allergy tests generally involve some organic protien. If it is an inhaled trigger, some of the allergy meds can help. Specifically, the cortisone nasal spays can counteract a systemic reaction even if it is not caused by an organic protein. I was started on a regimine of this and antihistamines to relieve basic allergies and it did help with the chemical sensitivity (new office building with carpet, paint, wallpaper was giving me weekly migraines as I hit some sort of exposure threshold). At the time, this connection between the treatments was not made, but my current allergist actually discussed this with me. Good Luck, Kathy
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Have either of you been evaluated by a rheumatologist ? My mother had Temporal Arteritis, and her symptoms were similar. Headache, joint pain, dizziness, fever. Her doctor said had she not been treated when she was she might have gone blind (about a 50% chance).
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