Migraines - Very Confused by Doctors

Hello all,
I've had a dual-chamber Medtronic pacemaker placed in October 2015. It was inserted due to sick sinus syndrome and junctional rhythms occurring fairly frequently. Since having the pacemaker, my life is 100% back on track. I also suffer from migraines and hypertension. Migraines are treated with Botox and verapamil. They are nonexistent. I went in to see the cardiologist yesterday (not the electrophysiologist but the general cardiologist), and he immediately dismissed my need for a pacemaker, saying that my migraine was causing all of my heart problems. He said the minute that I get rid of migraines I would not ever again have a need for a pacemaker and could have the PM explanted. This is the first time I have heard this from either the electrophysiologist or my neurologist. My neurologist specializes in headache medicine at one of the best neurology centers in the nation. I am feeling quite foolish right now and I'm trying to figure out, if indeed my migraines and my need for a pacemaker to prevent syncopal episodes and to regulate my sick sinus syndrome and sometimes AV block. I have read several posts on this site, but can't seem to find answers that are close enough to my own situation. Does anyone have any first hand or second hand advice or information on the connection between migraines and pacemakers. Is it possible that this could even be the case, seeing as how I have had migraines for the last 25 years and I have never had a heart problem. I had an ablation for atrial fibrillation and have had a myriad of other heart issues. Any advice, comments, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Each one of my Drs is saying something different.

6 Comments

More info...

by PacedProfessor - 2016-01-06 03:01:35

31 year old male with extensive hypertension for the last 25 years and on verapamil for migraines and losartan and metoprolol. Had an MI 6 years ago that was very minor, but none-the-less troponin was increased to be able to diagnosed as a mild MI

Migranes and Confusion

by oldearthworm - 2016-01-06 04:01:56

I think that these things can be most confusing - even to the most intelligent doctor .. IMO, it is a problem with communications ..The doctors seem to tend not to explain their position well .
I believe that your pacemaker is necessary for optimum cardio-health .
My sympathies for anyone with migraine headaches .. as I recall, I have had but one in 75 years ..That one was enough !!

confusing

by Tracey_E - 2016-01-06 05:01:44

I can see why you are confused! You feel good right now? Then I would let well enough alone and not pay too much attention to anything new any of them are telling you. JMHO.

Question... did you have SSS before the metoprolol? A side effect is a slow heart rate. Sometimes they even give people a pacer so they can get them on an appropriate level of medication to help with afib.

I had migraines. I have av block. I found a chiropractor who straightened out my neck and I haven't had a bad migraine in the 15 years since I've been going to him. My neck doesn't stay straightened out, so first sign of a headache I go see him for another adjustment. Love or hate chiropractors, I no longer spend 2-3 days stuck in bed with migraines, haven't refilled my migraine meds in forever, and on the rare occasion when one starts, it's gone by the time I leave his office. I still have av block. I suppose there could be a connection but I've never heard of it or experienced it. For me they are completely unrelated.

Something to keep in mind... there are doctors who feel no one young should have a pacemaker because they're for old patients. Don't even get me started on how stupid that thought is, but it's out there and underlies some doctor's thoughts. Either consciously or subconsciously, they think there has to be another answer.

It would be wonderful if you no longer needed the pacer and could have it explanted. However, you just listed no fewer than three electrical problems, all appropriately treated with a pacer. I'm no dr, but migraines being the cause of all that seems a little far-fetched to me.

A very simple way to know if you need the pacer... are you pacing? If you are using it and feel good, nuff said.

You really answered your own questions...

by Cabg Patch - 2016-01-06 09:01:38

You really answered your own questions with the statement...
"Since having the pacemaker, my life is 100% back on track." As TraceyE so astutely said, you identified three electrical issues that would automatically make you a pacemaker candidate. Don't second guess. Find a new cardiologist.

When you do, interview him/her for the job. Make a list of items important to you and discuss them during the interview. Make certain his approach coincides with yours and do some homework on his her skills. I know mine graduated at the bottom of his class, I don't expect much and he has never disappointed. Seriously don't just accept the next Cardiologist on a list you are hiring him to work for you...you are the boss, take charge

SSS

by PacedProfessor - 2016-01-07 07:01:02

SSS was recently diagnosed and I have been on metoprolol for just short of 20 years. My primary of 25 years said a PM was a brilliant solution since it is working marvelously.

Thank you all so much. I have been on metoprolol since I was a kid for HTN and the verapamil for about 2 years for migraines. Migraines are very well controlled. In 2009 I hit the floor at age 22 with AFIB with RVR. Had an ablation and started to have syncope after that. Loop recorder showed junctional rhythms and the EP did an EP study. I have seriously hurt myself countless times when I have a syncopal episode. I pace 60% of the time and have a new life.

I will follow the collective advice to not fix what isn't broken. Thank you all for your feedback.

Migraines

by MichelleBoehm - 2016-10-10 10:16:00

Studies show that migraines are caused due to light exposure. During migraine one should use headache glasses as much as one can. Many people suffering from migraine wearing headache glasses indoors and outdoors if they are lifgt sensitive. The best pair of headache glasses are found in many leading stores. They are extremely effective at reducing the pain of migraine headaches and reduces light sensitivity. You can find them at http://www.citysunglass.com/

You know you're wired when...

You have a $50,000 chest.

Member Quotes

I feel so incredibly thankful that I can continue to live my life.