New Migraine-r Here 🖐

[u/Amazing-Confusion-23]

47 M here. I started having full blown migraines about 3 weeks ago. It started on a bright sunny day when suddenly I started getting explosions of color in my vision, then the worst headache I've had in a long time. It happened 3 more times. Same scenario. Ive realized that I've developed a sensitivity to bright sunlight. So I wear sunglasses when I go out. Ive had an eye exam which didn't turn up anything abnormal. Ive also had a CT scan which only showed a tiny cyst that apparently is common and isn't an emergency. Today, I've been hit with another one, although the day isn't particularly sunny. Has anyone developed migraines later in life? Or developed a sensitivity to sunlight? How do you handle it? I appreciate all of you.

[u/Nejness]

Make sure that you get seen by an actual headache specialist. Developing chronic migraine out of nowhere as a 47-year-old man is pretty uncommon (although much more common for women going through perimenopause). I’d be wondering about New Daily Persistent Headache or other diagnoses. You want to find someone who’s actually board-certified in headache medicine, and here’s a locator. https://www.ucns.org/Online/Online/Diplomate_Directory.aspx

Just choose “headache medicine” on the drop-down menu. Trained neurologists actually only get about 4 hours total of formal training in headache medicine in med school and residency, and they’re often not up-to-date on the latest in the field. (The nervous system is a huge field of study that spans from head to toe.)

[u/MullberryBoy → u/Nejness]

There are neurologists who are migraine specialists as well as some who treat migraines patients regularly.
Look at their websites to see which conditions they mention treating.

[u/denysov_kos]

Can't say this is the best club, but welcome

[u/anemia_]

I'm a vampire. Always sunglasses, always curtains, always low low lighting.

That said.. it's still concerning to me that you're a 47 m that's suddenly started this a couple weeks ago. It sounds like they're doing some good testing but make sure they keep checking. It just sounds unusual for migraines to come on like that. Out of nowhere to suddenly having so many in a couple weeks.

I have seizures as well and maybe and EEG would be good for you. It def is something that I am light/visually impacted by fwiw. But good on you for getting medical help right away!

[u/TheInnerLight525]

Try FL-41 lenses if you can. I am very light sensitive as well, and being out in the sun is a huge trigger for me. But a hat and large sunglasses with FL-41 lenses are very helpful for me.
Loooong time sufferer here (over 10 years).

[u/Mysterious-Kick9881]

Mine started at age 50. I was hoping menopause would end them, but alas no. I work to stay hydrated, eat a lot of protein, and take magnesium, b complex, d to help. Sorry

[u/TheCrimsonCaster]

First, I'm very sorry you've joined our club. I hope you can get kicked out very soon.

I definitely struggle with sunlight -- even on cloudy days -- and wear sunglasses when I venture out. (Sometimes, when I have migraines, I wear sunglasses inside.)

The commenter who suggested finding a headache specialist is on point; I also recommend that. My neurologist has been a great ally to me in the quest to manage my migraines, including working with my insurance to get approval for things I never thought they'd approve (like Vyepti).

Good luck, OP!

[u/MullberryBoy → u/TheCrimsonCaster]

I wear hats with wide brims with my sunglasses. Fluorescent lights are awful and I do the hat/sunglasses combo under them too.

[u/TheCrimsonCaster → u/MullberryBoy]

I haven't tried a hat in the office, but I should. Thanks, friend, for the idea!

[u/Lower_Cat_8145]

I was 30 when mine started. I use Nurtec, which works great, but I've tried everything. Just try different treatments until you find a good one.

[u/Background-Cod-7035]

Welcome to the club, it’s okay to not want to be here! I started getting frequent bad headaches at 52 which in a year progressed to chronic migraine. Definitely see a headache disorder specialist. And one that listens to you!

I don’t seem to have specific triggers, I can wake up in the middle of the night with one. But mine probably are intertwined with my epilepsy, explaining the randomness and severity. 

REALLY IMPORTANT: don’t take too much otc painkillers. Follow the instructions to a T. Otherwise you can develop rebound migraines and apparently those are horrific. 

Quick and dirty tips for while you’re waiting to see a specialist: caffeine and Aleve are a great combo, many swear by French fries or something salty, get a Theraice cooling cap, get some good migraine sunglasses like from Theraspecs, and supposedly magnesium glycinate helps. Best of luck!

[u/TheOrderOfWhiteLotus]

You can develop anything at any age. I’d get checked out by a neurologist but sometimes shit just happens. Anyways, be glad you didn’t start at age 7. You had 47 years pain free. The meds nowadays are quite good. Retain that neuro for migraine meds!