Migraine and Pacemakers
- by icecara
- 2011-05-19 09:05:29
- Complications
- 6664 views
- 7 comments
Thank you all for responding to my question about my fractured lead. They were most helpful. I am so glad that I found this site, that is active.
I am wondering if any of you experienced what I did. After I had my pacemaker implanted in April 1993, I began to have migraines in June of 1993. Prior to that time I had never had a migraine, or even a headache. All of a sudden I was having frequent migraines--up to 18 a month. Have any of you noticed this with your implantations? I have asked all the cardiologists I have seen over the years if there is any connection. They have all said no, but I wonder if it is just something that hasn't been realized yet. I'd be interested to hear if any of you started having migraine. Thanks.
7 Comments
pacers & migraines
by Pookie - 2011-05-19 10:05:06
Hi:)
A few years ago, when I was experiencing my 13+ yrs full time headache at full blast (10/10), I went to the ER. At this point in time I think I may have had my pacer for about 2-3 yrs; and one of the ER residents (in cardiology) took the time to go research it for me....
he came up with Pacemaker Syndrome, so the next time I saw my regular Cardiologist we discussed it, but figured it out that that was not the cause of my 24/7 headaches.
Mine turned out to be Eagles Syndrome, which is another story, but I eventually had surgery done by an ENT and at least now the pain in my head is gone by almost 50%.
So, just something to research would be Pacemaker Syndrome, cuz you just never know.....
I hope you get to the bottom of the cause of your migraines. Have you been seen by a Neurologist for this? Mine was very helpful ruling out a slew of possible reasons, but he did tell me of one case where a young girl had "migraines" and it turned out to be that she had a very small leak in her spinal cord!!!
The body is an amazing thing, so keep on researching and don't ever give up hope.
Take care,
Pookie
neck
by Tracey_E - 2011-05-19 11:05:13
Just a guess, but I'd say it's from the surgery, but not specifically the pm. I started getting migraines after a car accident. After the internist and neurologist treated it with drugs, I talked to a chiropractor who said it was from the accident, my neck got misaligned. I go back to see him after every surgery because my neck is usually messed up from them moving me around when I'm out of it.
Another thought
by ElectricFrank - 2011-05-20 01:05:50
I agree with Tracey on the effects of the surgery.
What get to me though is the "shoot from the hip" answers we get from the docs. Migraines are at least partly related to blood flow in the brain, and a pacemaker may increase blood flow as it improves the hearts operation. Of course a cardiologist doesn't want to get involved with migraines, and especially have someone blaming him for them.
frank
p.s.
by Tracey_E - 2011-05-20 07:05:48
I was half asleep last night and didn't finish my sentence! I do not get migraines now. If I start to get one, I call the chiro and he nips it in the bud.
atypical migraines
by icecara - 2011-06-02 07:06:40
I'm sorry you are experiencing those atypical migraines. Did the doctor make any connection with the pacemaker? I am just convinced that there is a connection and that it is not just coincidence. I took a beta blocker too to help stop my migraines and it did work for awhile . . . I hope you get your migraines under control. A.
atypical migraines
by shelee - 2011-06-02 10:06:19
Hi there.
since having my pacemaker in February I have had problems with lightheadedness and sinus pain. My GP has diagnosed atypical migraine, and has started me on propranolol 80mg slow release. These have helped but I still feel like I am swaying at times and still have some sinus pressure. Unfortunately a side effect of this is that my sleep pattern has been disturbed. My GP wants to increase Propranolol to 160mg but I am unsire about this.
Shelee
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by Pookie - 2011-05-19 10:05:00
I just googled "headaches and pacemakers" and got a lot of information, then I typed in "migraines and pacemakers" and same thing...lots of information......
but I'm still thinking if you haven't been seen by a Neurologist, I think if I were you, I'd start there.
Pookie