Clusterheadaches.com Message Board (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Info on Migranal????
(Message started by: Zonie on Oct 29th, 2003, 9:29pm)

Title: Info on Migranal????
Post by Zonie on Oct 29th, 2003, 9:29pm
I saw my new neuro on Monday and he has adjusted my battleplan considerably.  He did an occipital nerve block and prescribed several new meds, one of which is Migranal nasal spray.  I have been unable to find much info regarding this medication and would welcome any information that any of you might have.

He did seem very knowlegable about clusters and I am very optimistic about future treatment.  The nerve block doesn't seem to have helped at all, but the nasal spray worked wonderfully the one time that I have used it.  It says not to use it but 3 times per week and I need it about 12 to 15 times at least.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Zonie

Title: Re: Info on Migranal????
Post by Unsolved on Oct 30th, 2003, 12:41am
About the Occipital nerve block...I have had 4 of these. 3 were bi-lateral. It really seems to me that the positioning (insertion point) of the needle(s) had alot to do with the results. Only the first of mine actually provided PFD's (17) and was totally painless. The last 3 didn't help at all and left big knots on the back of my neck/head (hurt like a sob). Just a thought ...
About the Migranal...I don't know alot about it. I usually get DHE via IV at the hospital to prevent my attacks (gives me a brief break). Migranal Nasal spray is DHE in a spray and there is plenty of information out there regarding this medication. Just put it in a search and you should come up with plenty. Or...you could start here:
http://www.migranal.com/
http://www.migranal.com/site/about.htm
http://www.migranal.com/site/dhe_main.htm
http://pedspain.nursing.uiowa.edu/Adjuvants/NSEMIG1.htm
http://www.migraines.org/treatment/promgrns.htm

This never really helped me to abort an attack, but when given as DHE via IV...it's my only break and has been for quite some time now.
Hope it works for you  :)
Unsolved


Title: Re: Info on Migranal????
Post by Karla on Oct 30th, 2003, 3:54am
migranol is an older drug.  And my pharmacist said it is considered a dirty drug compaired to imitrix being clean.  Not sure what that meant.  I have used it before and found it as effective as imitrix however you have to use it less often than the imitrix.  That to me was not acceptable.  Sometimes you have to spell it out to your dr.  If I am getting hit 8x a day and I can only use it 3x a week why bother giving it to me.  I need full coverage.  Or explain it in terms of hours you are in pain verses how many hours of relief you get.  Sometimes that picture helps them understand the need.

Title: Re: Info on Migranal????
Post by Unsolved on Oct 30th, 2003, 8:17pm
I believe that the docs told me Imitrex is more specific to which blood vessels it affects as where DHE consticts all the vessels which may result in whitening of the fingers / toes (blood shortage). DHE being more dangerous to your blood pressure.
Sound right ? ???

Title: Re: Info on Migranal????
Post by brewcrew on Oct 30th, 2003, 9:22pm
I've had both forms of dihydroergotamine (DHE) - the intravenous form in the hospital for 3 days and the Migranal nasal spray.

Both worked fine - the IV treatment as a preventative when my h/a's stopped responding my normal regimen of Maxalt and O2, and the nasal spray as an abortive. Using the spray was a pain in the ass, however, because you have to break open a glass vial and then rig it up into a sprayer - which sucks when you're approaching Kip 10.

The other thing I hated about the spray was that my nose was always stuffed up for a whole day afterward. It is a good drug, though.

Bill

Title: Re: Info on Migranal????
Post by Zonie on Nov 2nd, 2003, 3:52am
Thanks for the info.  The last one that I used did take the CH down to a shadow in about 20 minutes, but did not take it completely away as good as does my cafergot.  Then I was awakened in about 3 hours with another 5 on kip so I just took cafergot and finally got back to sleep.  Also, I had some really weird dreams both times that I used the migranal and had a real problem getting to sleep.  

I think that I'll just tell the doc that I need somthing different and see what he comes up with next.

Again thanks for the info.

Zonie



Clusterheadaches.com Message Board » Powered by YaBB 1 Gold - SP 1.3.1!
YaBB © 2000-2003. All Rights Reserved.