Migraines and CPAP

Wistful · Post by **Wistful** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:45 am

Well I had a nasty migraine yesterday.
The best I can do when this happens is to take my meds and go to bed. As I am new to being compliant, the last thing I would have been able to do was put that mask onto my throbbing skull (I did put it on last night when the attack was over).

It got me thinking though, how do other migrainers with apnea manage it?

Do any of your meds make the apnea worse?

Does having a migraine affect your apnea treatment?

Does having apnea affect your migraine treatment?

I'd be interested in hearing your stories.
Wistful

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:49 am

Go up to the "Search" function and do a search on "migraine". You may be surprised at what you read.

Den

Nenetx2004 · Post by **Nenetx2004** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:55 am

Hi Wistful!

I know exactly what you're going through. I've been a migraine sufferer for years and the best thing for me is to make the room as dark and cool as possible, take my meds and go to sleep. However, what I found was that I was waking up with the migraine gone but that nasty headache I always get when I don't use my machine. But I also know what you're feeling with the prospect of putting on the mask.

I have three "reshapeable" pillows from Target. I use these to cradle my head once I've gotten the mask on. I know you don't want anything touching your head when you're in full "migraine mode" but trust me it'll help eventually. Once I've gotten my self situated, I let the meds take effect. I also use a gel ice pack on either the back of my neck or on my forehead which seems to help a lot.

Thank God for Imitrex! 15 years ago, I was usually laid up for several days with a migraine.....

Let me know how you're doing......

Jeanne

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:56 am

Were you subject to migraines before XPAP? I used to get mild migraines, but now that my bloodpressure is down and XPAP is working, that's been left behind.

XPAP treatment failure, tends to cause brain fog and migraines due to low O2 at night. Is your AHI under 5, and your not mouthbreathing? Jim

christinequilts · Post by **christinequilts** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 11:58 am

Sometimes it helps to take your meds and lay down for 15-20 minutes, allowing the meds to take effect somewhat before putting your mask on. I find it works best if I have a family check on me and a possibly even help me with my mask, otherwise I couldn't let myself relax for fear of falling fully asleep for hours without my machine or if the meds made me to sleepy, it was easy enough to say I would put on when asked & then close my eyes before I did anything (the old, I'm only going to close my eyes for a second routine).

I haven't had problems with my migraines or occipital neuralgia in a while now, but when I could, I had alternative mask that may not have worked the best for me every night therapy wise, but were less annoying somehow. It could even mean wearing you current mask loser, as some xPAP therapy is better then none.

Wistful · Post by **Wistful** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 1:04 pm

"Were you subject to migraines before XPAP? I used to get mild migraines, but now that my bloodpressure is down and XPAP is working, that's been left behind.

XPAP treatment failure, tends to cause brain fog and migraines due to low O2 at night. Is your AHI under 5, and your not mouthbreathing? Jim "

I have had migraines since I was a child. I am just beginning treatment, so my hope is that they will get better, as I get less tired. I don't have my numbers yet, As I send my card to my RT and she sends me the print- out after a full month of compliance. I am using polygrip strips to curtail my mouth breathing.

W

Mask