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DataSherlock


Member

Posted Wed Feb 24th, 2010 4:52pm Post subject: Bipolar and Chronic Headaches

Hiya

I have been diagnosed with bipolar/ADHD/Chronic Headaches/Migraines and I was wondering how common the connection between bipolar and chronic headaches is. On browsing I have found there appears to be a positive correlation between chronic headaches and bipolar. Does anyone else have both?

There seems to be no reason or cure for the headaches (except very strong pain killers xD)


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katysara


Moderator

Posted Fri Feb 26th, 2010 1:51pm Post subject: Bipolar and Chronic Headaches

yes i have both (bipolar + migraines) - i went to see a neurologist things got so bad and so he put me on topiramate (which is also a mood stabiliser) and I have gone from 1-2 migraines a week(and I mean bad ones, throwing up, lasting up to 2 days) to having zero migraines.

Have you tried topiramate?

KSx

I am an administrator on this site.

"Having a great intellect is no path to being happy."
~ Stephen Fry

See my website: www.katysaraculling.com

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DataSherlock


Member

Posted Fri Feb 26th, 2010 6:57pm Post subject: Bipolar and Chronic Headaches

I am already on topiramate xD.

I have already seen a neurologist and various consultants. It helps a bit, however the headaches and migraines have not gone away completely. Don't know if it effects my mood swings though. I have gone from having (at worst) a constant headache with up to several migraines a week, to one or two patches of bad headaches and migraines a month which are not as bad.

Also I am allergic to dairy, citrus and tomatoes as they give me an instant migraine. Do any foods effect you (that you know of?)


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katysara


Moderator

Posted Sat Feb 27th, 2010 3:14am Post subject: Bipolar and Chronic Headaches

Chocolate unfortunately, and uncooked peppers.

What dose of topiramate are you on, you might be able to increase it?

KSx

I am an administrator on this site.

"Having a great intellect is no path to being happy."
~ Stephen Fry

See my website: www.katysaraculling.com

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Mister


Member

Posted Sat Feb 27th, 2010 6:24pm Post subject: Bipolar and Chronic Headaches

I too have both bipolar 2 and chronic headaches. I don't think there is a connection with my episodes, I don't have more when I'm depressed or manic, the only difference is how I deal with them. Depressed I focus on them, manic I ignore them.

Two years ago my headaches became constant, and for months I had migraines every single day, minute and second. I got beta blockers and that helped a lot, I stopped taking them about two months ago, and now have headaches about once a month.

Beautiful thing, the destruction of words.

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DataSherlock


Member

Posted Tue Mar 2nd, 2010 4:43pm Post subject: Bipolar and Chronic Headaches

There doesnt seem to be a connection between my moods and the headaches - except, as you say Mister, i focus more on them more when I am depressed.

When I was younger, however, I would definitely get a migraine if I was excited - ie, a school trip or friend to stay - or very upset, like an argument.

Both conditions (bipolar and chronic headaches/migraine) affect the brain and both cannot be explained as yet.

Im on 125mg Topiramate. I will see my doctor but he doesn't seem keen on taking it up too much more.


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