LymeNet Flash: vasodialators

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » vasodialators

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Topic: vasodialators

adamm
Unregistered

posted

Would it be advisable for individuals with TBI's to take vasodialators
to lessen the severity of cerebral hypoperfusion?

thanks,
Adam

IP: Logged |

Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200

posted

You say "to lessen the severity of hypoperfusion."

Do you actually mean to ease headaches, or just to clear up lyme-induced brain fog?

If you are talking about Relpax, Imitrex, Frova, etc. -- then YES, they are amazing and usually help enormously with headaches.

They do not to my knowledge lessen hypoperfusion except temporarily. It's a band-aid, not a cure.

However, and this is an important caveat: You cannot use these more than twice a week.

Typically your insurance thinks you only need about 8-10 a month. Cheap a$$es.

But that might be a blessing in disguise because these pills--while seemingly miraculous-- have cardiac implications. Make sure you are clear on that and really talking with your doctor before using this class of drugs.

Have you had a SPECT scan that showed hypoperfusion? That's an objective finding -- I'm not sure what your subjective issue is -- i.e., headaches, pressure, or just general incoherence like most lymies have!!!

[dizzy]

Michelle

Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005 | IP: Logged |

pattilynn
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 8065

posted

The above medications listed will actually have the opposite effect. The migraine medications actually cause vasoconstriction. A migraine is a dilated blood vessel. The medications constrict the blood vessels thereby relieving the headache.

This is why the drugs have cardiac implications. They can constrict the coronary arteries causing lack of blood flow and oxygenation. This can cause serious problems in people with coronary artery disease.

Vasodilators like nitroglycerine may increase blood flow to the brain (many people get horrific migraines after taking nitro). However, the effect would only be temporary. I don't think it would help hyoperfusion in the long run.

Plus, the vasodilators can cause extreme low blood pressure. I've seen people pass out from the low blood pressure.

Posts: 340 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2005 | IP: Logged |

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