Suggest Treatment For Chronic Migraines And Stiff Shoulders

Posted on Wed, 12 Jul 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 Answered on

Tue, 1 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I have chronic migraines and have had the current migraine for over a month. About 10 days ago I started noticing my neck and shoulders are very stiff and hurting. Massage, hot compresses and different rubs don't help. I also bruise very easily and I am also having more trouble staying focused. None of the migraine meds prescribed help for more than a few hours.Is the neck and shoulder pain unrelated? And should I be worried if in my opinion this particular headache is completely different? I never had bouts of confusion and this level of sensitivity to everything.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
You may be having tension type headache along with migraine or medications overuse headache along with migraine if you are taking too much painkillers for a long period.
You can add amitriptyline or sertraline for anxiety and tension headache.
Valproate or divalproate can be substituted for seizure medications if feasible as it is helpful in migraine and seizures both.
Precautions required are timely breakfast and lunch, avoiding excessive tea or coffee or chocolates.
Taking proper night sleep.
Avoiding any food which aggravates headache.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D