So, I’ve been trying to get over the same recalcitrant migraine for over a week now, and it’s getting old. There was a brief period on Friday afternoon when I thought it had lifted, but I was wrong. Today, as I write in my bedroom with the shades drawn yet again, trying to fight my double vision long enough to finish this post, I think it might be worth it to discuss the common concurrence of migraine and bipolar disorder.
Studies show that those of us with bipolar I are about 40% more likely to experience migraine than our “normal” counterparts, and those with bipolar II are about 25% more likely to do so. One of these studies also found that “[b]ipolar disorder with comorbid migraine is . . associated with greater dysfunction and medical service utilization . . ..” Lucky us, right?
Well, for what it’s worth, here’s my best advice for those of you who share my pain: Whenever possible, cut the lights, shut the blinds, lie down, minimize noise, sleep, apply cold compresses or those fancy menthol patches that stick to your head, and wear a baseball cap or bandana (the pressure helps). Of course, medication is also an option—both preventative daily meds and those taken once you feel the migraine coming on. And by all means take the latter as early as possible. Time is of the essence.
That’s all the advice I can muster given my left eye feels like it’s about to explode. Now your turn.
Do you suffer from migraine, and how do you deal with it?
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I use sumatriptan injections because it works faster for me than pills or nasal spray. I know my common triggers, to much sun on
my forehead and abrupt changes in weather. For a while, it appear chocolate set them off, but not lately. A good defense is better than letting a migraine cycle start. But when they do, try to have medication that works for you available.
I use sumatriptan pills, I used to use sumatriptan injections (epipen). They work. I always felt the migraine came when I was a bit hypo manic, I was glad in a way because it closed the door on mania for good and the sumatriptan stopped mental overload as well as shrinking the blood vessels and stopping the pain.
Very Good Personality, or Author bio.