Migraine Headache

migraines and video games

For more information about: migraines and video games visit the migraine headache site MyBrainPain.com today.

Q: i play video games for 3-5 hours daily and get migraines every few months, how do i get rid of the migraine?
I am a 14 year old guy, I get a severe migraine and then i would feel cold then hot then cold then hot then it repeats and then i would throw up and feel really cold with shivers and i am stopping to go on video games so much starting today. i get this from too much computer time also even not computer games usually research on math or anything, i need to know, what can i do to get rid of this migraine if it happens again, please I need serious answers that will help not go to this website for home rememedies because they dont work.

thanks,
igal
i have astigmatism possibly from genetics as what my doctor said last year, i do have glasses but my astigmatism isnt strong so i dont really need to wear them on a daily basis, im only on the pc at night once in a while but with lights on around me so my eye sight stays good, advil doesnt help me before i sleep because i take one, go to sleep while feeling really uncomfortable, then i finally sleep for about a half an hour – 2 hours, then i wake up throwing up and each time i throw up my migraine less a little less painful after about 6 times then i have a little migraine but then i sleep perfectly for along time maybe 8 hours

A: Have you ever read the warnings on video games? There are warnings on some games that talk of possible seizures even so small you might not realize that they are seizures. You really need to cut down on that BIG time. The best thing to do is cut your video game time more than half and when you do your math research do it in intervals. Take frequent breaks. Remember to eat healthy. Excedrin for migraine might help…it has caffeine FYI. Or just a coke might help. Lie down in a dark room. Maybe a cool rag on your head and face.

Q: Is my hypothyroidism causing sensitive eyes?
I was recently diagnosed hypothyroid and was wondering if that’s why my eyes are soooo sensitive to light. I’ve had sensitive eyes since I was young. Have always had to wear sunglasses because if I don’t my eyes water up and I can barely keep them open. I also get really sick to my stomach and get migraines with auros. I can’t play most video games, look at bright colors like on clothing or paper, or talk to someone standing in front of a window. It’s sooo frusterating!!

A: You are diagnosed with hypothyroidism only recently, while your sensitivity to light is not new. It seems hypothyroidism is not the cause of it. It has not been mentioned anywhere too.
Good luck!

Q: My daughter has migraines headaches that linger…?
My 13 year old daughter has suffered with headaches since she was about six years old. We have seen neurologists, pediatrician, ENT. She has tried different medication, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. She’s been diagnosed with migraines, sinus headaches, tension headaches, and she’s had a CAT scan, which was normal. She has had a headache that has lingered for about a week now. We took her to the doctor and she got an injection of Toridol, which usually helps. She also took Phenergan. Last night her pediatrician prescribed Hydrocodone and Aleve, which really did the trick, but this morning her headache kept “coming and going” throughout the school day. We made her stop drinking Dr. Pepper, thinking that it was maybe the caffeine. She has been fine with no headaches since this school year began, and the only thing that I’ve noticed different in her routine is the weather. It was very warm here, and all of a sudden the weather changed and got cold. Then two days later it got warm again. Is it possible that the weather change can cause or exacerbate a migraine? She said that the pain isn’t excruciating, just annoying and bothersome. Thank goodness that tomorrow is the last day of school before she’s off for the Thanksgiving holidays. Any suggestions? Oh, she has been playing some fast moving video games lately, could that be a cause? She also LOVES to eat cereal – Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, you name it. Can too much sugar cause problems? Believe me, I’ve spoken to many doctors, but I just want other people’s opinions. Thanks.
I forgot to add that the headache that she’s had this week is mostly on her forehead and her eyelids. I thought it could possibly be a sinus headache, but I’m not sure.
Kyle & James – thanks so much for your answers. She took ibuprofen gelcaps this morning, but I’m going to give her Tylenol Sinus Caplets when she gets home. By the way Kyle, I definitely don’t think chiropractors are a hoax. I know people that swear by them. That’s a good idea. Both of you had great ideas! She felt good this morning, but everytime the phone rings my heart drops into my stomach, thinking that she’s calling me from school. I wish that I could choose you both for best answer b/c both were so well and thought out, and most of all, genuinely caring. Y’all are awesome!

A: Well…..sounds like migraines. I suffer myself, and I think it may have something to do with the weather, however, that being said, I have noticed eating cheese, vinegar, and especially citrus (oranges do it to me bad), bright lights and yes the video games as well. I have come to find that oranges will even send me into what I call a frantic migraine, where I feel as if I am going to throw up and all I get done that day is laying in the bed….anyways I am attaching a link to a website that I hope will help, it has helped me…it is a chiropractor, but it is upper cervical care only, just the upper vertebrae, I know alot of people think chiropractors are like a hoax or something but it truly did help me,…..best of luck and I hope she feels better

Q: I’m getting terrible migraines ever day?
For the past month, I have been getting really bad migraines every single day. I figured it was because I only get four hours of sleep so I started going to bed earlier but that didn’t help at all, and I also stopped playing video games but that didn’t help either. I moved into the basement/den of my house because it was quiet and dark, and even that didn’t help. I take Tylenol, Advil, etc., and I have even tried that Head On.

I’m so frustrated, what do you think could be wrong? I’m 15.

A: I started getting migraines 2 years ago, when I was 15. I have been to at least 8 doctors, including a headache specialist, neurologist, ENT, sinus specialist, opthamologist.

I first went to my pediatrician, who noticed I had a sinus infection. After I more doctors appointments, I had been on 5 different antibiotics before the sinusitis went away, which the doctors suggested may have triggered the onset of chronic migraines/cluster headaches. It turned out that I had slight intracranial pressure, which was discovered after a lumbar puncture, which I was directed to get from my neurologist. I went on Diamox, which reduced the swelling in my brain, but did not help the headaches. I have been on countless antibiotics, medications from my ENT, diagnosed with TMJ and a thousand other symptoms/disorders that the doctors caused it, Elavil (amitriptyline), Topamax (anti-convulsant, also used for the treatment of migraines: I would not suggest taking this, many doctors jokingly refer to this drug as “Dope-amax” as it can -and did, for me- affect my memory and learning skills while I was on it), and finally Nortriptyline worked. Finally, after about 1.5 years, I am on 110mg of Nortriptyline, an atypical SSRI (antidepressant) which is similar to Elavil, which has finally started helping the pain.

I would suggest asking your doctor about:
-Sinusitis
-TMJ
-Intracranial Pressure
-Hormonal imbalance (which is why many people take birth control pills to help their migraines)

These migraines probably will NOT go away completely, I still get them about twice a month, but it is better than every day. There is no cure for migraines. Also, do not take too many OTC medications like advil and tylenol, or you will become resistant to them (and they won’t work for other times you don’t feel well). Plus, advil can cause stomache problems, and tylenol can cause liver damage when used in excess.

Excedrin can help for migraines (sometimes), Migrelex can help as well. Both over the counter.
Imitrex is a prescription that helps many people; personally, it never worked for me, but I know at least 3 people who use it.
A step up from that, is Fioricet. It is a combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol), caffeine, and butalbital, and is a barbiturate. Unfortunately, it is very addictive (your body can quickly become resistant to this medication, and it can cause rebound headaches), but very effective (unless of course, you take it too often, which happened in my case, so now it doesn’t work for me). If this doesn’t work, a step up is Fioricet with codeine. I have been taking 1 pill about twice a month (when I get a bad migraine) for the past 6 months (before that, when my doctor did not limit me taking this -when I took it about twice per week- I had to take 2 pills for it to work, which was not pleasant because I had to miss school as it knocked me out: and if you’re 15 that mean’s you’re a freshman, or sophomore, which are not exactly prime years to have to miss school 40% of each week…). But, hopefully you will not have to take this, as codeine is a narcotic, which can make you very out of it/loopy, but it really does cut through the pain when needed.

Also, I would suggest getting your eyes checked for vision problems, because this can just make headaches/migraines in general worse if you are having to strain. And sleep does help, but I doubt that your lack of sleep is the reason.

But I would definitely suggest going to a doctor, and specialists, to get this checked out: I know how miserable it is to have these every day; it’s worth all the doctors visits when (finally) you have relief. Hope you get a diagnosis quickly!

Q: video game obsession?
im obsessed with video games. This isnt some stupid joke. im 14 and i spend all day playing video games. once playing from
9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the morning. i have frequent migraine and im sometimes sick. This is worse than i could ever have imagined i dont know smokers who smoke all day or alcoholics who drink all day. it affects all other areas of my life. i live off junk food, and im generally angry and not a nice person to be around. i dont do my homework so i can feed my addiction I NEED FUCKING HELP!

A: Yes, yes you do need some help. I would suggest to leave your house. Go ride a bike or take a walk or something it will help clear your head. Try to get into some outdoor activities.

Q: Why do I always get headaches?
I’m a 13y/o male and for some reason i am getting headaches/migraines 6-7 days out of the week for the entire day. they usually start out early in the day say 9 o’clock. i’ve seen my optometrist and he says my eyes are fine and my family doctor says that it must just be me playing video games when i only play them for at the most 1 hour a day. WHATS wrong?

A: How well are you eating? Are you eating a lot of processed foods, starches and sugars? Hypoglycemia is something you might want to look into. Eating sugary or starchy foods can cause your blood sugars to spike, then for a person with hypoglycemia their body overreacts by sending out too much insulin and you end up with low blood sugars, which often leads to headaches and migraines. Drastically reducing your sugar intake and reducing your intake of starches and replacing them with slower-acting calories like protein may help.

Another thing to consider is what foods with additives you do eat? Food dyes, artificial sweeteners, preservatives are common culprits, but it could almost be anything.

Q: vision changes need help?
well basically i suffer from aura migraines all my life. i am 15 and i am very healthy for my age. this usually happens for about a month then stops but i have notice a change in my vision and it starts to give me head-ages. if anyone has had a migraine its like the start of the migraine its hard to explain. i cant play video games anymore without getting a horrible headache or seeing like i used to. iv told my parents about it and they always say they will take me to a neurologist but they havnt and usually it goes away. dose anyone get these and i have also been feeling like out of reality its hard to explain its kind of like when you smoke pot and your gone but not really but its just has not been the same for me.

A: It’s probably a tumor.

Q: Insomnia help please…?
Hi I am 16 and I have a problem for the past 3 and a half months I have been suffering from Insomnia.

Most nights I cannot sleep I will try I will lay down in my bed for hours and just try and sleep but it just doesnt seem to happen at this point Im exhausted because I rarely sleep and it is causing alot of issues with school attendance it is giving me headaches and migraines on a increasingly regular basis since the start of the new semester ive missed over 15 days.

My father is a truck driver and is away most of the week usually home Friday night, Saturday and Sunday morning only then he leaves again and my mother wont take me to the docters she says my dad has to take me.

I have repeatedly asked her to either take me to the docters or buy me some over the counter sleeping medication but she says I would get addicted to sleeping pills and she wont get me some she is not taking this problem seriously at all her excuse is that I watch to much tv or play to much video games during the day and that causes it I wont lie I consider myself a gamer I do play alot of video games but never after 9pm usually unless my friends ask me to stay up late which only happens on holidays or weekends.

I went a bit off topic their but it leads to my actually question what can I do to cause sleep? I have tried drinking tea warm milk hot coco my house is quiet I have comfortable bed pillows and blankets but it doesnt seem to help.

So what could I do possibly apart from taking pills which is probably what my doctor would prescribe me anyways if I went to her office.

At this point im exhausted and stressed to the hilt its a vicious cycle the more headaches/migraines I get the more school I miss which makes me more stressed out about it which probably causes more problems.

So what could I do to cause sleep and get rid of this insomnia problem? because its ruining my school life the days I go im to tired to really care about the material ,

A: Read the sections “Non-medical treatment and behavioral therapy” and “Lifestyle and home remedies” in http://insomnia-sleeplessness.blogspot.com/

Hope this helps. Regards!

Q: Staying in front of a computer too much.?
I play video games for maybe, 6-7 hours a day sometimes, mainly at night though. I’m also in front of my computer mostly when i’m not traveling for baseball, can this pose a health risk? No, not the obesity factor because i’m no where close, i’m beyond fit, but sleeping with a computer on within feet from your bed along with a cell phone on being charged near feet from the bed and playing video games for long periods of time, can this cause health risks? If so, name them because i’ve been getting compelling migraines lately, etc…

A: I would say it can pose health risks. People aren’t designed to stare at screens more than 1 hour at a time. Your eyes need to rest and your mind needs to relax. I’m not quite sure about this, but radiation may be another health factor. Being on the computer too much without proper posture can lead to ergonomic health risks such as: carpal tunnel, repetitive strain disorder and it may damage your spine/back. Overall though, probably the biggest risk is straining your eyes too much.

Hope this helps.

By the way, if you’re going to stay on the computer after sun down, be sure to turn on as much light as possible and work in a well lighted room when staring at the screen. This can reduce your eyes from straining too much.

Q: Can you recommend noise blocking, cancelling, or filtering headphones for my situation? *Non-music*?
I live in an old building constructed with cheap materials. I have neighbors above and below me who listen to music, talk, watch TV, and play video games constantly. There is never a moment of silence between the two apartments. They are rarely being disrespectful. I have been in or around their apartments when the noises seem loud or irritating, and they are actually listening/talking at a reasonable volume. It almost seems amplified in my apartment – especially from above. I can hear the person above me showering, drying his hair, chopping vegetables, washing dishes… everything! I can usually tolerate the noise, except for when I am studying or have a migraine. I would like headphones to block the noise in these situations so I can sleep, study, or concentrate. I moved out on my own so I could finally have quiet time and it did not work as planned. I have tried ear plugs and they hurt tremendously after 20-30 minutes of use. I usually study in large blocks of time (3-4 hours) and migraines can last up to 24 hours. I am looking for the type of headphones used on construction sites or in a machine shop, not the music kind. I have no need for music or a cord in this situation. Thanks!!

A: you can get headphones (construction type) at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Check their tool department. There are usually different kinds, so I’d figure out which would be more comfortable for you.. There are also different kinds or earplugs which may not be as painful to wear. Try checking out the pharmacy section of your grocery store or Wal-mart. Or, if it is really unbearable, maybe see about moving to a different apartment?

Q: Frequent headaches?
ok for some reason i get headaches a lot. thats just the beginning i will get a headache and usually pain revelers don’t work so i will lay in my bed for an hour in complete darkness and when i wake up my eyes are bloodshot red and feel really dry and will irritate me for hours. the next thing is that i will get these headaches 1-3 times a day but usually 2 a day .sometimes i get these in school but not a lot but i will get them from the computer , video games, tv, pushing my self in gym class( im not fat im 110lbs. and 13 1/2 years old)and loud noises like screaming and annoying high pitched sounds , and strobe lights,ect. the last thing is that they a not migraines but are pretty bad and when i was 7 or so my headaches were in my forehead but now they are around my right eye not around the eye but behind my eye and my temple and the forehead and a lot of times i will not feel like eating like i will have a bad stomach ache when i look and food it makes me feel sick

any ideas???
THEY ARE NOT MIGRAINES AND THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE YEARS
either my headaches have gotten so bad that i have gotten use to have migraines is this possible oh another thing is that sometimes i feel my hart beat in my skull is that ok????????????

A: How do you know they are not migraines? Although it sounds like some of them aren’t, the ones caused by strobe lights and loud noises that don’t get better with pain relievers and make you not want to eat sound like migraines. Check out the description below:

“Migraine headaches are the second most common primary headache, and they affect women more often than they do men. Pain ranges from mild to debilitating, and often is concentrated on one side of the head, sometimes behind the eye, although the pain can shift from side to side. Symptoms can also include changes in vision, such as seeing spots, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. If headaches occur frequently, it is advisable to seek professional help, as over the counter medications are often not effective in targeting these types of headaches.”

When was the last time you had your eyes checked? How about your blood pressure? You may need glasses or have high blood pressure. Are you under a lot of stress?

I would suggest getting a referral to a neurologist as they specialize in headaches and can do a thorough work up and find out what is going on and the appropriate treatment.

I have added 3 links in source that describe types of headaches and symptoms. Maybe you can get a better idea of what is going on from these sources. However I still highly recommend that you see your doctor and possibly a neurologist as it is NOT normal to have so many headaches with the severity that you are having. It is best to try and rule out everything and make sure it isn’t something serious. You are too young to be having these crippling headaches and need to find out what is causing them and get treatment NOW!

Good luck and take care,

Michelle

30 + years of migraines and tension headaches

Q: What is wrong and how do I treat it?
This has been going on for about three days non-stop.

The right side of my head is ACHING. The worst pain I’ve had thus far is a severe sting at the front of my head (still on my right side) that echoed down to my eye and nose (they started twitching violently D: )

My eyes are the next problem, it hurts just looking at the screen. My eyes are burning, and all the usual triggers for eye pain don’t work (I haven’t been watching TV/playing video games/etc. for the past two weeks for vacation).

I also keep getting dizzy spells. It takes me a while to adapt to a new altitude, even if the change is minuscule (i.e. sitting on a chair to standing).

Also, my stomach is aching.

Any ideas on what it might be? I’ve had migraines before, but nothing as troubling and painful as this TT_TT I’m going to stop looking at the CPU now, I need to nurse my eyes with something cold.
I already wear glasses, and I haven’t been near technology in weeks. The pain started on the last two days of my tech-free vacation, still carrying on now (and all i’ve touched is the computer for this yahoo inquiry)

A: My first guess would be you were dehydrated, and maybe even anemic. Go to a doctor if its lasted that long..seriously..it sounds kinda serious, no one on yahoo is gunna be able to properly diagnose you since we cant check you out in person. If there are problems with insurance, or you cant afford to go to the doctor, look up free clinics, or call a doctor, or even the emergency room to find out, in their expert opinion, if its serious or not, and if you should make a doctor appt. or go to the ER, Youre not charged for calling, and if you are, (which i seriously doubt) its better safe than sorry, right?

Q: why am I so unmotivated? I really want to finish school and i’m 24 and should have graduated but It’s hard?
I been incredibly unmotivated to do my hw. I end up playing video games online, eating, sleeping, or messing on the computer after a little bit of time doing my hw..it’s preventing me from finishing my hw!!! I don’t know w hat to do….I feel very sluggish when I get up…I got this headache which maybe because i got chronic migraines and clenching my teeth…..I been also depressed…I got no friends and I recently moved….even before that I didn’t have friends…I got no girl to help motivate me or anything…some of my siblings don’t call me and the one’s that live close to me I don’t get along with!!!!
I mean almost 24

A: I’m 23 and in the same boat so I know what you’re going through. I feel very unmotivated and wish I was out there in the world doing more exciting things than homework. But then I think about where I want to go with my life, and how far I’ve come in my degree, and it only makes sense to buckle down and get it over with so I can move on to the next stage. It took me a while to realise just how important it is to study something that interests you, and that it’s possible to pick a paper topic you can enjoy researching. Sounds crazy but make sure you are doing the right thing and then just do it.

If you are depressed it will be hard to get out there and make friends if you just mope around your place. Try signing up for a class or getting a part-time job that will force you to interact with different types of people, without feeling any pressure to make friends. Just being around people more often should help lift your spirits and you might even meet someone you’ll want to spend more time with. Do you call your sibling or are you waiting for them to call you? Sometimes it’s about taking that first step yourself.

This will sound really cliché, but do you exercise and eat right? Bodily health is so important for mental health. Just start by jogging every morning and make yourself keep it up for a week – you will feel better, trust me, and you will sleep better too. Now get off Y!A, that’s the first step!

Q: why am I so unmotivated when I’m 24 and I know I want to graduate? I should of already graduated 2 years ago?
I been incredibly unmotivated to do my hw. I end up playing video games online, eating, sleeping, or messing on the computer after a little bit of time doing my hw..it’s preventing me from finishing my hw!!! I don’t know w hat to do….I feel very sluggish when I get up…I got this headache which maybe because i got chronic migraines and clenching my teeth…..I been also depressed…I got no friends and I recently moved….even before that I didn’t have friends…I got no girl to help motivate me or anything…some of my siblings don’t call me and the one’s that live close to me I don’t get along with!!!!

A: A lot of this has to do w/ society.. it is not just you..

technology has a lot to do w/ it..

friends..? go down to the nearest park, join a bowling league,
soft ball, church.. something be around ppl..

depression.. is to be expected.. meet w/ a counselor..
motivation.. u have to dig w/in ur self.. it is for U and no one else
no one can take away what u learn.. ur education.. and it will help
U later in life.. w/o it.. no good jobs.. good luck

Q: FREQUENT headaches ???
ok for some reason i get headaches a lot. thats just the beginning i will get a headache and usually pain revelers don’t work so i will lay in my bed for an hour in complete darkness and when i wake up my eyes are bloodshot red and feel really dry and will irritate me for hours. the next thing is that i will get these headaches 1-3 times a day but usually 2 a day .sometimes i get these in school but not a lot but i will get them from the computer , video games, tv, pushing my self in gym class( im not fat im 110lbs. and 13 1/2 years old)and loud noises like screaming and annoying high pitched sounds , and strobe lights,ect. the last thing is that they a not migraines but are pretty bad and when i was 7 or so my headaches were in my forehead but now they are around my right eye not around the eye but behind my eye and my temple and the forehead and a lot of times i will not feel like eating like i will have a bad stomach ache when i look and food it makes me feel sick

any ideas???
THEY ARE NOT MIGRAINES BUT VERY BAD AND THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE YEARS
either my headaches have gotten so bad that i have gotten use to have migraines is this possible oh another thing is that sometimes i feel my hart beat in my skull is that ok????????????

A: How do you know they are not migraines? Check out the description below:

When was the last time you had your eyes checked? How about your blood pressure? You may need glasses or have high blood pressure. Are you under a lot of stress?

When you get one, I suggest that you lay down in a cool dark room with an ice pack on your forehead (no more than 20 minutes for the ice), try drinking or eating something with caffeine if you can like tea, soda, chocolate as caffeine can help with headaches. Make sure you are getting enough fluids every day as mild dehydration can cause headaches too.

I would suggest getting a referral to a neurologist as they specialize in headaches and can do a thorough work up and find out what is going on and the appropriate treatment.

EDIT: The feeling of your heart beat in your skull and/or feeling like your head will blow off your body is a typical migraine symptom. Your headaches may have advanced to migraines now. You need to get checked out! I had to get a shot for a migraine at Urgent care a few weeks ago because I thought my head would blow off and none of my techniques or prescription migraine medication helped!
END OF EDIT

Good luck and take care,

Michelle

30 + years of migraines and tension headaches

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