CCI: migraine thread

[Guest guest]

, you are correct about Mast cells. The HDCT gurus have been studying the

phenomenon for a few years. We really should become educated about this, so

please keep telling us what you know.

Sharon, you don't have to have an actual Chiari-type herniation to have mast

cell problems; it's more likely to be associated with a systemic condition such

as a connective tissue disorder. Also consider that your EDS might have set you

up for developing an acquired Chiari Malformation when mechanical forces acted

on unstable tissue during the crash.

Shirley, I also have had lifelong complex migraines (over 80 severe, 5-day-long

hemiplegic migraines with stroke-like symptoms, and then just before

decompression, I had two basilar migraines.) I also cannot take traditional

migraine meds for the same reason.

Magnesium is a miracle. For several years, I've been taking a gram every day.

It prevents most attacks, and in larger doses it aborts attacks. It has to do

with the ion voltage gates in the brain.

Whenever I ended up in the ER with a bad attack, I received 2 grams of magnesium

delivered in an IV, along with oxygen set at 6 liters per minute for the first

20 to 30 minutes, turned down to 2 liters per minute for the rest of the hour.

It's amazing. It really works. I had my primary care doctor write a letter that

I presented to the local hospitals, announcing that this was what would work, so

when I needed it, they were on board.

You may want to consider getting a prescription for oxygen at home, to be used

only during attacks. I did that and it really helped.

Past tense? Yup, mostly. During my successful Chiari decompression at TCI, Drs.

M & B found and removed an aberrant blood vessel that appeared to be the main

trigger. I still have to be careful to avoid mechanical triggers, but they

really did give me back my life. Actually, they have me a life I never had.

I wish all of you all the best. Be well.

Sandy