How does a 52-year-old manage chronic migraine?

Question

Hello doctor

I am a single mom of two kids, ages seven and 11, and I was diagnosed with chronic migraines about three years ago. Some weeks are fine, but then out of nowhere a bad one hits me, and I literally cannot function. Last week I had to call my neighbor to pick up my kids from school because I could barely get out of bed. My neurologist put me on Topiramate, but I honestly keep forgetting to take it regularly.

How does a 52-year-old manage chronic migraine while raising children alone when you genuinely cannot afford to be down for days at a time?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I have read your query, and I am sorry for the discomfort.

I am sorry you are dealing with this. Raising two children on your own while living with chronic migraine is a tremendous challenge, and it is understandable to feel overwhelmed when an attack suddenly leaves you unable to function. You are not alone in feeling that migraines affect every part of daily life, especially parenting.

One of the most important parts of managing chronic migraine is taking preventive medication consistently. Topiramate works best when taken every day, even when you feel fine, because it reduces how often and how severe your migraines are over time.

If remembering doses is difficult, try linking it to a daily habit such as brushing your teeth, using a pill organizer, or setting a recurring alarm on your phone. If you continue to have trouble taking it regularly or experience side effects, let your neurologist know, as there are other preventive options that may better fit your routine.

It is also helpful to identify and reduce migraine triggers where possible. Keeping a simple migraine diary can help you notice patterns related to poor sleep, dehydration, missed meals, stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes. Regular sleep, staying well hydrated, eating meals on time, and finding small ways to manage stress can make a meaningful difference for many people.

Because you are the sole caregiver, having a backup plan is important. If possible, identify one or two trusted people, like your neighbor who helped recently, a family member, or another parent from school, who could be available during severe attacks.

Having an age-appropriate plan with your children, such as knowing who to call and where important phone numbers are kept, can also provide reassurance without frightening them.

If you are still having frequent disabling migraines despite preventive treatment, or if you are missing doses because the regimen is difficult to maintain, it is worth discussing these issues with your neurologist. They may consider adjusting your treatment or offering newer preventive therapies that may be easier to follow.

Please try to follow up if you find this answer helpful.

And I hope you will feel better soon.

Thank you.