Long-time readers of this blog may remember that about 3 months ago, I tried to make an appointment with a neurologist who specializes in migraine, and was told that he was booked until late October. I made the appointment, my PCP prescribed Inderal, and I haven’t had a migraine since.
I’ve been wondering whether I should keep this appointment, since I’ve been completely migraine-free since starting Inderal, and perhaps I could free up the appointment for someone who really needed it. I decided to call and describe the situation. The receptionist talked me out of cancelling, saying that I should come in and be evaluated, because if I cancelled the appointment and later started having migraines again, it would be another 3 months before I could get an appointment. “I see this happen all the time,” she said. If the doctor had evaluated me and the migraines came back, he could consult with me by phone if necessary.
OK. I did not cancel the appointment. It’s probably for the best. I want to ask if he’s heard anything about ketogenic diets for migraine (thanks to all my readers who have provided information sources, by the way). I’m also more than a little concerned about Inderal’s affect on insulin levels, but it seems to be working so great against migraine that I’m reluctant to stop it without asking some questions. I want to ask him exactly how Inderal works, and whether there are other drugs that affect the same brain pathways without raising insulin levels. And of course, if there are other drugs, I want to know what side effects I could expect. Finally, while this isn’t a problem at this time of year, Inderal is somewhat bothersome during hot weather, when my normal, non-drug-influenced BPs already run a little low; it would be nice if I could find an alternative before next summer - I felt limp for much of July and August.
I’ll confess that what I want to hear is: ketogenic diets work extremely well for migraine; there’s a high likelihood that I won’t need Inderal as long as I stay on a low-carb regimen; and if low-carb does not completely resolve the migraine situation, there are other prophylactic drugs that do not raise insulin and have very few side effects.
Yeah, right, I can hear my fellow migraine sufferers say. Well, a girl can dream, can’t she?
Migraine aura picture from 
I think it’s good that you’re keeping the appointment. Even though you’re pretty happy with the Inderal (how awesome that it’s helping so much!), it will be good to have a chance to go over your questions with an expert. I hope the appointment goes well for you.
Comment by Diana — October 29, 2007 @ 11:28 pm
Just wanted to say … good luck on your appt. - from one migraine sufferer to another
Comment by Bix — October 31, 2007 @ 11:43 am
I have been hunting for information regarding the link between low-carb diets and their effect on migraines. My experience is that my migraines totally go away while I’m on Atkins. This is motivation enough for me to stay on the Atkins WOE. However, I am floored by the fact that nobody else seems to be aware of this connection. Shouldn’t all folks with migraines be informed of this non-drug solution?
Comment by Val — May 12, 2008 @ 3:46 pm