migraine after straining?!

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Have you ever been checked for Chiari? You would need an MRI (it's a structural abnormality of the brain and skull/spinal column). What you're describing is pretty much textbook for a Chiari induced stress migraine. Some people only have to bend over or exercise and end up with a chiari headache. There really isn't anything great about being diagnosed other than you know what movements you should/shouldn't make and they can treat some of the side effects. There is a decompression surgery if symptoms are really bad.

I assume you're prone to migraines anyway since you're talking about beta blockers for them (the regular population probably doesn't know this type of info). I tried them as a preventative and they didn't work for squat so it is possible to get a migraine while on beta blockers. I got plenty while on them. :) Do you have an abortive medicine? Imitrex, maxalt, relpax, amerge, that sort of thing? If so, I'd recommend taking one and seeing if it helps. If not, and you're sure it's a migraine, I would so be at the doctors asking for prescription for them. They are a wonder drug for migraine sufferers -- I don't know how I would survive without them.

Don't be embarrassed about calling the doctors. Migraines are nothing to be scoffed at and most professionals these days just look at them like any other disease that needs treating. Hope you feel better soon.

Lifelong migraine sufferer and I have chiari type 1.

It's sounds like stress related headache just relax and take it slow. It sound crazy but don't take any medicine. Drink lots of WATER and lay down.