Teenagers with migraines

I got my first migraine at 20 so I've had them for 39 years. Two years ago they became chronic. The best advice I can give you is to keep track of her migraines whichever way works best for you. I keep track on my desk calendar. I note on that day that I have a migraine, what time it occured and the intensity of the pain on a pain scale of 1-10 with 10 being the worst pain I've ever been in. Then I write down what I think might have caused it (if I know like skipping meals, or stress) and what medication I took and in what amount. Then I go back after a few hours and write in if it worked or if it came back. It's really helped my PA have a more complete picture of my migraines when we have our appointments. 

I've been through many, many neurlogists over the 39 years I've had migraines. I've been on a lot of different medications and am still currently on Topamax which I've been on for years as a prevenative. I have tried Aimovig (the injectable prevenative) but it stopped working after 6 months). The best abortive medication I've tried is the nose spray version of Zomig but it's not generic so my insurance will only pay for the pills which are only half as effective. I use those combined with medical marijuana which I don't think teens can use even in the medically legal states until they are 18. 

Advice-stress is a huge trigger for almost everyone with migraines. You stressing about her school will feed her stress so if I were you I'd try to not show your stress around your daughter. Feel it yes, obviously any parent would be feeling it. Just try to minimize how you feel around her because otherwise it might trigger a migraine for her if she knows you are stressing about her school and how much she's missing-then she'll start stressing too. 

Gatorade-check the flavors you're getting for artificial coloring. Some have it, some don't. Some migraine suffererers trigger from artificial coloring. Some don't. Just be aware of that. 

Waiting until December for the head of the department neurlogist-When I first made my appointment with my new neurologist's office they told me that the person in their office that is the specialist in migraines wasn't a doctor but a PA. At first I balked thinking, how good could she be if she isn't even a doctor? I almost canceled my appointment. But I went and I was so pleasently suprised. She was amazing! She spent 45 minutes talking to me and we covered everything. I came out of that meeting with a solid plan going forward. She actually listened to me. I've been seeing her now for 2-3 years and I love her as my migraine specialist. She has helped me so much. So why am I telling you this? Because it is 3 months until December! If it were me I'd be on the phone to see if I could find someone to see her earlier. Doesn't mean you have to stick with that person, but at least you'd be getting your daughter some help before 3 months when she needs it now. Head of the department doesn't automatically mean a great doctor. He/she could be a pompous ass who doesn't listen to a word you say and spends less than 10 minutes with you because they are so busy. Just my thinking. I could be wrong.  

Migraines are completely dehabiliting. There is no way I could go to school with one and concentrate to what a teacher is saying and comprehend it. Your head hurts like someone is sticking a knife into it repeatedly. You can force yourself to do things like get dressed and go somewhere when you are at a pain level of 2-4 but you can't retain information that is given to you in an hour lecture. Migraines are finally getting the attention they deserve in the medical community as more and more information about them is being discovered. I think you'll be able to get a 504 for your daughter as she should easily qualify for it. Gather up the medical information you need on migraines and if you need any personal references from those with migraines just ask here. 

I wish you and your daughter the very best.