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A myMPNteam Member asked a question 💭
Miami, FL

Hello
I have ET. My platelets are around 650 at this time
Has anyone heard or experienced resistance to aspirin? I suffer from bad migraines. When I was diagnosed with ET, I also went to a neurologist in addition to several hematologists. The neurologist told me I could have up to 325mg of aspirin daily for the migraines. One of the hematologists told me to take two 81mg aspirins daily. The migraines improved a lot, but I still had mini headaches that lasted a few minutes. Considering what… read more

August 17, 2025
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A myMPNteam Member

Aspirin seems to have worked for you for some time, so probably it is less likely that you have aspirin resistance, as defined by studies. Probably something has changed in your illness and aspirin itself is not sufficient to reduce headaches anymore, for example more inflammation or more reactive platelets that clump faster into microclots. Microclotting and bleeding can coexist.
Another possibility might be that there is something else that is contributing to your headaches together with the MPN.
For me, aspirin alone could never solve the headaches I get from my hereditary thrombocytosis. So I have other headaches management techniques, including some mild physiotherapy exercises and ibuprofen patches that I apply on the back of my neck from time to time, so that I do not end up with headaches that last a whole week.

It would be good if you can discuss with your MPN specialist and with your neurologist again about these issues, so that you find a solution for your current situation. Chronic illnesses change over time, even if largely symptoms can remain unchanged, some symptoms can intensify. Hope they will help you find new ways to tackle the headaches.

August 18, 2025
myMPNteam

Headaches are a common microvascular symptom in ET, often caused by abnormal platelet activity and small blood vessel blockages. While low-dose aspirin is frequently effective in managing these symptoms by reducing blood clot risk, the balance between managing symptoms and avoiding bleeding complications (like hematomas) Show Full Answer

Headaches are a common microvascular symptom in ET, often caused by abnormal platelet activity and small blood vessel blockages. While low-dose aspirin is frequently effective in managing these symptoms by reducing blood clot risk, the balance between managing symptoms and avoiding bleeding complications (like hematomas) can be delicate. Given the return of headaches and the change in bleeding symptoms (hematomas), it would be important to consult with your MPN specialist. Changes in symptom patterns could indicate a need to reassess your treatment plan. While aspirin resistance is possible, other factors might be involved, and a specialist can properly evaluate the situation and adjust your treatment as needed.

August 17, 2025

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