Pacemaker# and Migraines

I had a pacemaker inserted 2 weeks ago. Prior to this I experienced Migraines with Aura all my life since the age of 12. Usually about 1 episode in 3 months

Since the implant I’m getting it twice a week

Has anyone had similar experiences?


3 Comments

Worsening migraine

by Gemita - 2020-01-30 06:36:19

Hello Mary, 

I am rather out of my depth here but I wonder whether during placement of one of your pacemaker leads, damage to your atrial septal region occurred ?  I ask this because I have been told that headaches/migraine may appear for the first time (or worsen) following certain procedures, for example after a catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation where atrial septal puncture occurs.  Hopefully it is only a temporary worsening of your migraine and that it will ease, but maybe worth asking your doctors about this ? 

I would also advise getting a few checks to see whether all is well, if you havent already done so ?  I too am a migraine sufferer and I know how difficult life can get.  Immediately after my implant I didn't experience worsening headaches although I did experience a worsening of my arrhythmias for several months.  

My husband, on the other hand, experienced intense migraines immediately after pacemaker implant. He was told initially it could be due to being paced in the right ventricle causing Pacemaker Syndrome, but he was later found to have had a mild stroke, so it is wise to speak to your doctors about any worsening symptoms.  

I do hope for the very best 

migraines and auras

by AgentX86 - 2020-01-30 09:22:30

Gemita hit two nails here. I've heard of increased visual aura increases after atrial septum piercing (it's not accidental). There doesn't seem to be any data to support this assertion and few huesses at an explanation. Though it makes sense that migraines would also increase, I hadn't heard that part.

The mild stroke possibility was my first guess too. Silent strokes seem to be troublingly common in arrhythmia patients.

neck

by Tracey_E - 2020-02-01 11:11:15

I get migraines when my neck is messed up. My chiropractor fixes my neck and the migraine subsides. When they put in the pacemaker, they manipulate us a lot so it's possible they did something to your neck. 

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