Migraines...how big a problem for the Army??

I know we have some members with armed forces background who might be able to shed some light.

After going around in circles of late with career choices, Minidweller has come back around to thinking about joining the NZ army

But he gets the occasional Migraines for which he takes Imigram. Trigger we believe to be typical teenager syndrome, lack of sleep, lack of food and dehydration after late night out on the weekend.!

Today we have seem our GP who had written a letter as requested by the NZ Army medical officer. He was asked to provide onfo on a couple of old rugby injuries which won't cause any problems, but I'm thinking the migraines will be.

So any thoughts ??

My no-longer-dweller got the "thanks but no thanks" due to asthma. How often has he sought (or you on his behalf) treatment for migraines from the doctor?

Diane

Been twice for medication, thats all really, hes only had them for about the last 3 years

Might be able to get away with it then, have you had his blood pressure checked? migraines can be a symptom of high blood pressure. My no-longer-dweller had years of asthma treatment, so was definitely a long-term condition (despite the fact that when he's actively exercising, etc., his asthma gets considerably better...)

Diane

No he's not had that done whiles having one, should try and arrange that when he gets the next one.

He hasn't had one for quite a while now, tends to be more of a summer affliction!

Hmmm, might actually be an allergic reaction type thing rather than a "proper" migraine....

Diane

We did try and see if there was a pattern linking them to food, at one point we thought maybe it was cheese, but it's not that we realise now.
Definately diet orientated, but only down to not eating properly when out at mates for the weekend, probaby the odd beer or 12 if truth be told!

And dehydration is definately a trigger.

There was a programe on fairgo recently about a navy recruit who was kicked out because he didn't tell them he had migraines.
All young kids suffers from dehydration after a session on the booze. You been setting a bad example MM?

Who me??? Never!!

It's not just that that triggers it, he does have the odd beer now and again, but he's not a boozer.

I'd be telling him not to get his expectations up. Is he not interested in at least going to polytech or something?

Diane

Maybe, he's hoping to learn a trade in the Army. He hasn't ruled out the Navy either.

Hopefully it won't be a problem, I expect it would be a big one if it affected his safety of course and of those around him!

Another thing to consider does he grind or clench his teeth?
I'm a migraine sufferer - have been for years and years ( Imigran is the work of god - it really has changed my life!) anyway, mine are on the whole hormonal so different from your son! But also I was a teeth clencher - especially when stressed. I used to clench so hard that I cracked a tooth right the way down. I now wear a thing called an NTI split and it's made a huge difference.
Sorry doesnt answer the army question though[]

He used to grate teeth as a wee tot, but I don't tuck him in anymore so don't know lol!

I had a Muscular Skeletal Specialist once who told me he could fix 70% of migranes with manipulating the neck. Just conversation as I never had one.

My daughter however had some doozies that meant being admitted to hospital but she appears to have grown out of that. In hindsight, it was when she was out partying and had been riding in competition all day so I think your suggestion about dehydration could be right on the mark. Playing sport (exertion) not eating properly, lack of sleep etc. The pattern sounds familiar.

Just a caution though, after her last one that had her in hospital, she had brain scans and heart exertion tests and it seems there is some hic up with her heart beats so maybe it would pay to just have him checked out. She is super fit and never stops so I'm not suggesting anything life threatening - but a further comment on Diane's thread.

Thanks DiDi, Im sure if he gets beyond thos part he will end up having a full medical