More than 28 million Americans — three times more women than men — suffer from migraine, a type of headache that’s often severe. Although any head pain can be miserable, migraines are often disabling. With a “complex migraine” symptoms can include weakness, loss of vision, or difficulty speaking in addition to a headache – often mimicking a stroke.
In the video below David Dodick, M.D., neurologist, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, explains the symptoms, triggers and treatment for complex migraines. A nationally recognized expert on headaches, Dr. Dodick is the president of the American Headache Society, Editor-in-Chief of Cephalalgia, Director and Founder of the Headache Program and Headache Fellowship Program at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. He is also the Medical Director of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Concussion Program.
Dr. Dodick
I am 53yoa male. For some time now I have had light headaches and odd sensation throughout my head and neck left arm and hand. I have seen several Doctors and finally the symptoms have progressed to the point that a young Neurologist was call in to assess me. He thought I may be having a Stroke. He did all the test. Stayed 3 day in the hospital. NO STROKE! He determine that I have Complex Migraines. I am on Topamax. It seemed to work for a short time but now it is not working as well. I am taking 50mg at night was taking 25mg in the morning as well but could not tolerate the side effect and keep up with my work. I live in South Georgia. Can you refer me to a Neurologist who is an expert Complex Migraines. I have had a light headache to two weeks now. I also have facial numbing and left hand numbing. My whole top of my head feels tight and numb. The Topomax and helped about 40%.
Terry Barnard 912-237-3002
Please see email sent to you directly.
I too would like the name of a neurologist that is an expert on migraines that practices in south Ga. My 11 yr old daughter suffers from terrible migraines & has also taken topamax (now 100mg) & its still not helping.
I am so sorry. Hopefully your struggles aren’t as bad as ours, but if they are I know your pain. My daughter started having debilitating headaches 24/7 in 8th grade. She couldn’t go to school or get out of bed for months.
We went to many doctors, tried many narcotic pain killers. Nothing helped or made any difference. Then a neurologist at Children’s Hospital put her on Topamax 50 mg. It helped for about 2 months and the headaches were back everyday 24/7 again. The doc increased the dose to 100 mg. This helped for two weeks and had bad side effects. We went back to the doc and all he said to us was “sorry”. So we went to the Mayo in MN. They did Botox infections and my daughter had 2 1/2 glorious months pain free. We returned to the Mayo and they did a Tilt Test on her and diagnosed her with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). We were enrolled in the Mayo Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Clinic (PPRC). This helped tremendously. Iis a pain management program. My daughter is doing much better, but she still struggles a bit. We are still searching for a treatment for the POTS rather then just managing with the pain.
I hope your daughter is doing better.
I also get severe headaches ever since I had a tubal ligation. I am convinced changes in hormones (girls her age are also going through many hormonal changes)have something to do with getting the migraines/headaches. Today I had slurred speech and nearly passed out at work. A week prior I had had a migraine and little sleep. Doctors think I had the complicated migraine people are talking about that a reporter had on the air. What has helped me for years is simply taking magnesium supplements at night. I buy them at our local grocery store. I take them whether or not I have a migraine to prevent getting as many. If I do feel one coming on even if I have taken them the night before I take two more and 99% of the time the headaches go away, not just masked like ibuprofin. Hope this helps.
Acupuncture has helped me tremendously. I’ve tried everything and nothing helped and then I found relief through acupuncture.
I too suffer from complex migraines and have slurred to gibberish speech, severe migraines, numbness/tingling un my right leg,and drooping face. It looks like a full in stroke and has been this way for 3yrs I too was diagnosed with POTS last year you should ask your daughters dr. about Zebeta(Bisoprolol Fumarate) it has helped me tremendously with the fainting and rapid heart beats from POTS. It is a beta blocker that can also help with migraines its not a cure for the migraines but it does help and again definitely helped me with my POTS symptoms
Dr. Dodick,
I am a 28yo female with spats of complex migraines for the past four years. I get severe visual disturbances (aura) with each migraine. The flashing arcs of light block my sight for 15-30 minutes before fading to the worst stabbing head pain/nausea/vomiting/digestive disturbances that lasts from 6-12 hrs and renders me unable to function, work, or drive (light, sounds, smells make it worse). They used to occur approx. 1-2/yr, but have been occurring more and more this year (sometimes almost once a month–unrelated to my cycle–but I had three this week alone with no identifiable triggers). Had one bizarre migraine in July 2010 where I lost the ability to read/write/type and was speaking and typing partial gibberish for several hrs, along with the visual disturbance and normal skull-splitting pain.
Been on Maxalt, which helps reduce the headache symptoms or duration sometimes. Spoke to my internist, who never did a workup besides a discussion of the symptoms and prescription of Maxalt (tried Imitrex, made it worse).
Three questions: (1) is there a concern of a more dangerous issue if migraines w/aura start coming more often and are of longer duration? (2) in your video, you say that some docs prefer NOT to use migraine-specific drugs (triptans like Maxalt) to treat complex migraines–why is that? (3) Would you recommend seeing a neurologist instead of an internist? Or is there another type of specialist I should see (live in DC metro area).
I am 47 years old and have had complex migraine since 15 years old. When I was in my 20′s, I moved to Ohio and went to the ER with a horrible headache with aura–flashing lights, numbness and tingling on one side, and slurred speech. An ER doctor who also gets migraine gave me a shot of demerol and sent me home. I slept and woke up without pain. I could seriously not believe that I did not spend hours on the bathroom floor throwing up with a head that hurt 10 on a scale of 1-10. As I got older, I have gotten to the place where I get the aura but not the horrible headache that follows. I still get a milder headache that hurts worse if I bend over or go into bright lights. I have found that caffeine is my best friend during attacks. The generic Excedrin and caffeinated beverages have worked more for me than Imatrax and other drugs that dilate your vessels. When I get a series of migraines in a week, I still go to the ER. A shot usually breaks the cycle of them. Good luck to you. Mine have gotten far less debilitating the older I am. Something positive to look forward to.
topomax
neurologist
I had a sudden onset of confusion, gibberish, left sided weakeness. Was taken to local ER where I was given TPA for possible stoke and then transferred to a level 1 stoke center. Had the usual 2 day stroke work up and all was negative. Was discharged on day 3 and told it was complex migraine. Sent home on aspirin and zocor. My question is this: at age 43, I have low blood pressure and cholesterol within normal limits, don’t smoke, don’t drink, and exercise regularly, but I am approx 20 lbs over ideal body weight. Have never had a migraine in my life. If given a dx of complex migraine and have cholesterol levels WNL, then why go home on aspirin and a statin? Given the fact I have never had a migraine in my life, how often do you see people who have a sudden development of them?
3 days after discharge, my speech is still “bumpy” and still have residual left leg weakness and sometimes feel as though my head isn’t quite “clear”. All this from a migraine?
Thank you for contacting Mayo Clinic. Unfortunately, we are not able to diagnose conditions, provide second opinions, or make treatment recommendations through this correspondence. However, here is information from MayoClinic.org that describes migraine conditions. http://www.mayoclinic.org/migraine/diagnosis.html
Cherly,
I was two weeks away from delivering my 6th child came home from an active day and felt overwhelmed by fatigue. I laid on the couch and called my mother to tell her about my day and started talking and not making sense. Before I knew it my son called the ambulance and I was off to the ER. I was weak, by this time I kept uncontrollably was stuttering and this last for 5 hours. They gave me (yes while pregnant) a CAT scane, MRI and nothing showed. Never called a neurologist or my OB….. anyways. I too felt fatigued for the next week and my speech too was very bumpy. Followed up with a neurologist of my own and he said right away Complex Migraine. During this I never had a headache…. STRANGE!
I have suffered from complex migranes since I was roughly 14 years old and I am now 30. I always get visual flashing auras that lead to tunnel vison and in some instances take away my vision entirely for roughly 30 minutes at a time. I have had at least two instances where I had drooping on one side of my face, was confused, couldn’t see out of one eye and couldn’t talk. I thought I was having a stroke, but nope it was just my migranes. I have never had the terrible pain that most attribute to migranes, but I don’t really consider myself lucky. I generally have migranes anywhere from one to 10 times per month. Imitrex is the only medicine I have been on and it only made me sweaty and sick to my stomach.
Dear Cheryl. I am not an M.D., but I can tell you my experiences and suggestions. I have had complicated migraines for about five years now. I started having them at age 47, and it my understanding that menopause or perimenopause (age 43 may fit into that) can fit into them. I had no family history of them. They are very unique, and that is why I would advise you or anyone with them to see a Neurologist. They are about the only ones who truly understand the complexity. Unfortunately, like a lot of people with this condition, I have a lot of sad stories about being blown-off by medical professionals because nothing was showing up on any tests, despite having definitive stroke-like symptoms. Anyway, I won’t go on here, because I actually have an easier time of it than a lot of complicated migraine sufferers. However, I can’t stress enough that it is my feeling that anyone with this condition should be seeing a Neurologist. Mine is the only one who has been able to help me and is concerned. Good luck to you. Most days are good, but some days it is very hard to go to work and act like everything is normal.
Karen. it has been 8 months now> Three times I went to the hospital for stroke like symtons but did not have a stroke.
The difference is I don’t have a headache but intermittent slurred speach and confusion that happens anytime. I have been good now for about a month. I see a neurologist and he also says complicated/complexed Migrains. I do get Migrains at times but their not associated with these episodes. I hope that there gone for good now but reding these notes it seems that they come back. Have you heard anything like this?
Just got home from over nite observation in the hospital d/t my first complex migraine. I’m 45,female, and have had migraines since I was 12. However 5 minutes after getting out of bed in the am, my right side became numb, my speech was slurred, and I couldn’t say the right words, my right leg didn’t work and my left leg was dull. My right arm and hand was numb. Scary for both my husband and I. Started driving to the ER, began dry heaves and SOB, my husband called the ambulance. The episode lasted 3hrs., then I got the wavy vision and HA, and most of the stroke like symptoms faded. They hospital ran a multitude of tests and dx was complex migraine.
Hi,
On the 21st of Nov.I called a ambulance because i couldn’t speak went to the ER, because of leftsided numbness, dropping face, they told me I was having a stroke, i reejected doing a TPA, because even though the risks were low, 7% heavy brain bleed was all I needed to hear to back out. Which now MRI, MRA, CT scan, XRay, Heart Ultrasound, all came back normal, all the blood test came back negative. The Neurologist said not a TIA, but complex migraine. In my 30′s I had normal mgraines, lay in a dark room and peace and quiet. I was fine for 2 wks, then ended back in the ER, this time I had tons of numbness but pain, the first time no pain. The pain wasn’t in my head, it was in my face and chest, I shouldn’t say pain, it was burning on fire. They treated me with a lot of pain meds. Then I came home. I shouldn’t say syptom free after the first incident, I have had continued left facial and left hand numbess. I wasgood at typing and baely made mistakes, now I make tons of errors, when I speak, it is very slow and I almost stud. i saw a new Neurologist, he says complex migraines with aura intractable. All I know is now I am having them nightly. Today it started about 11 am and it is 9:45pm and I still have it. I took A Imatrex at 7:30 pm and took another at 8:30pm…now I am takinganxiety pills in hopes to fall asleep. These things scare the crap out of me!! I have no control over anything. I took a pill and now it is stuck in my throat, not down the windpipe, but can’t get it up. Dont know what to do. I hoping the pill disolves. Is all these things normal with a complex migraine?
Shelley, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
The same problem here and yes sometimes I have trouble swallowing I was out with my husband eating and couldn’t get the food down or bring it back up I was scared I just told my self to stay calm and got though it. I have told my husband not to take me to ER anymore unless I stop breathing or my heart stops due to they all say I’m putting on and that it is all in my head but my Neurologist told me it is in my head but I’m not crazy I just started crying finally somebody understood what I was going through and I finally had a name for it complex migrains and now I can’t work or drive. This all started right before I turned 44.
My daughter is 17 and has had chronic migraines for 4 years. We need a doctor that can help with her symptoms and give her a proper diagnosis. From surfing the internet I find she has complex migraines but her doctor has never said if he thought she has them or not. She has the excrutiating headache with vomiting, numbness in arms and legs, neck pain, speech is gibberish, confused, and can’t tolerate light. By her being 17 from talking to her pediatrician a lot of doctors won’t see her until she is 18. We live in Columbia, SC ,HELP, she is barely able to function. None of the traditional migraine meds. work for her. She takes propranalol twice a day and frova for pain. Is there anyone close to us that can help us she will be starting college this fall. Does botox injections work for complex migraines? Her doctor wants to try it. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
A worried sick Mom
We have received your comment and are checking into information for you.
I am 46 years old and was at work when every thing happened was taken to hospital they thought stroke, than to Virginia hospital, than to Cleveland Clinic. I seached the web with no luck. Than after about l 1/2 years a Dr. told me I have Complex Migraines I haven’t worked for two years So I have About the same problems here but sometimes my eyes will shut and I can’t open them they feel like they are rolling back in my head which is very uncomfortable. My Dr. also wants to try botox shots not sure what to do HELP!
Sherry, We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices; the numbers can be found at mayoclinic.org.
I live in Charleston, West Virginia. Can you refer me to a Neurologist who is an expert in Complex Migraines.
I have had complex migraines since age 9. I am on verapamil dailey to help with the auras. It has helped the duration of the auras. I get botox it helps with the pain and stiffness of neck and pain in eyes.
Thank u that helps alot.
I am fifteen year old, female, and have recently had a complex migraine.
My first of these was when I was eleven, and since then I have had several (at least five, if not six). My migraines always start with numbness , incoordination, or weakness of my right side (including hands/arms, face, and feet/legs), and inability to talk for several minutes at a time.
Although the last few episodes have not seemed as severe or long-lasting for the initial pain, I feel as if I’m having lasting effects after, such as permanent tense or bloated feeling in my right hand, which I have been dealing with for a year or two now. Although it does not pain me, I notice that when I get scared or panicked (or any other similar feeling of that nature), my right hand becomes noticeably more tense, making me stretch out my fingers as if to “check” to ensure they have not gone numb.
This last migraine started with a disconnected feeling from my body, and since then after eating I feel similarly disconnected. I’m not sure if this is a correlation between migraines or poor diet, or what.
(I do have some room to lose some weight, but I do have a healthy BMI. I had blood work done recently, and I had healthy thyroid and glucose levels, and I believe they tested sodium levels and that was normal as well. I am nearing my period, however I don’t have migraines more than once or twice a year, so I doubt there’s TOO much of a relation. Not only that, but my first period was more than a year after my first and possibly second migraine, and I’ve have them in the middle of my cycle as well)
This is starting to scare me, and I’m wondering if [complex] migraines can leave any lingering/permanent neurological complications or damage. If so, is there anything I can do to prevent migraines, or prevent the damage succeeding them?
By the way, I do have medication for migraines that I take when needed, however the taste of it only makes it worse; so it is a diagnosed condition and I am not asking for an opinion on what this may be. My last few migraines I have taken Excedrin Migraine instead of prescribed 10 or 15 mg of Maxalt.
Please get back to me on my questions, thanks!
-Concerned migraine patient.
Thank you for your comment and questions. Unfortunately, we can not provide specific recommendations for your particular case or suggest medication changes, but I will forward your questions to the Neurology Department for their review. You may have already seen our link regarding migraines, but if not, the following may give you more information: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120.
The link doesn’t help much, I regret, but thank you for your own assistance and informing the neurological department. I appreciate if anything could be discovered to help.
Rachel, Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at this link: http://www.mayoclinic.org/patientinfo/appointments.html
I am not a doctor but have done extensive research on migraines & variety of epilepitic seizures since I deal with the care of family members who suffer from these. What you are discribing sounds to me like a Complex Temporal Lobe Seizure. They often feel like an out of body experience with physical symptoms. You should see a Neurologist quick if you haven’t already.
To whom it may concern:
I am a POTS patient with Central Pain Syndrome and diagnosed by Dr. Grubb, but I get transformed and complex migraines according to the neurologist here. My current migraine has lasted three weeks and I cannot break it. My left hand is numb and my head feels heavy and when I sleep, I wake up with a feeling like my right side of my head has running liquid in it and slightly cold (very strange). I am sound and light sensitive and typing this up because I need help. I have had migraines for 7 years and they are getting longer in duration. Topomax did not work. Other things made stuff work. I take mestinon and helps with blood pressure and heart rate. I take constipation meds and DDAVP for urine (speeling?) and a pain med which I forget (one for arthritist and one for central pain because my nerves can hurt all over). I function when out of an episode, but when in an episode… I cannot function. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. I have a family member in Minneapolis.
Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at this link: http://www.mayoclinic.org/patientinfo/appointments.html
My wife (31 years old) woke up two days ago and immediately her sister called. While talking to her sister she was unable to find words and couldn’t put together a coherent sentence. Her sister called me at work and was concerned. It didn’t last long (approx 5 min) that she couldn’t find words, but she had a terrible headache afterwards that lasted for half the day. We live in a rural town in Utah and we saw the PA at the local clinic who referred us to the closest hospital for an MRI. The MRI came back clear. My wife is 6 weeks pregnant and we do not want medication and the local PA wants to just watch to see if it happens again. Should farther action be taken and could pregnancy be one of the causes?
Unfortunately, Ben, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at this link:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/patientinfo/appointments.html
I have had complex migraines for 3 yrs I am 50 yrs old. Been in and out of the hospital numerous times and many trips to the ER. The dr’s can’t figure out my left side always has all the stroke like symptoms and my migraines also are on the left side. usually I have a seizure first the the symptoms then the migraine.
Dr. Dodick,
You mentioned in your video that for complex migraines that you don’t use typical migraine medications for treatment. What treatment do you recommend using when someone has these types of migraines?
I have migraines with auras, with numbness and sometimes I have migraines with none of these symptoms. I use Relpax which seems to help if I take it when I first experience symptoms. When my migraine is on the left side of my head everything is much worse. The symptoms, severity and the Relpax doesn’t seem to help. I am on daily medication to prevent migraines but they break through at times. The ones that are hardest to get rid of are the ones I wake up with and experience nausea with.
I was relieved to hear you mention that flickering lights can be a trigger for migraines. I have mentioned this to my bosses at work and they don’t take me seriously. The flickering lights is one of the big triggers for me.
Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you.
Your comment has been referred to Dr. Dodick for a reply.
Was just diagnosed with complex migraines after spending 2 days in the hospital. My symptoms were severe pain and stiffness in my face, neck and jaw, and severe RLS symptoms in my legs. Seemed to be brought on by recent battle with heat exhaustion (a week prior).
I trust my doc but my insticts tell me its more than that. MRI, CAT, Blood work all come back perfect. Gonna get a second opinion, since doc put me on Depakote, all seems odd. Any thoughts?
Thank you for your question. If you would like another opinion from one of our neurologists then please call the following numbers for the Appointment Office at any of the three Mayo Clinic sites: Arizona, (480) 301-1735; Florida, (904) 953-0853; Minnesota, (507) 284-2511.
I was put on depakote for complex migraines made my joints lock up doc wanted me to take pain meds for joints went off the seizure meds only take excedrine migraine
I am a 31 year old female, who just experienced a complex migraine for the first time yesterday. It was quite terrifying! I saw the flashing, sparkling spot, different parts of my right side would alternate numbness, and I couldn’t get the right words out of my mouth. I had a MRI and all the bloodwork done. They came back perfectly fine and normal. My question is, since this was my first one at age 31, could this possibly just be a one time event or will this more than likely continue on? I would appreciate whatever information you could give. Thank you!
Kim,
Thanks for your question. It has been forwarded on and will will try to get a response for you.
Kim,
The following is a response from Dr. Dodick:
I would recommend evaluation by a Neurologist to be absolutely certain that your symptoms are consistent with migraine with aura.
There are no clear indicators that reliably predict which individuals will have future attacks, nor can we predict the frequency of such attacks. It is important to evaluate whether there were any potential triggers for this attack (e.g. sleep deprivation, severe stress, certain foods, medications, looking at certain patterns or designs, bright or flickering light, etc). If a trigger is thought to be suspect, measures should be taken to avoid this trigger.
If you would like another opinion from one of our neurologists then please call the following numbers for the Appointment Office at any of the three Mayo Clinic sites: Arizona, (480) 301-1735; Florida, (904) 953-0853; Minnesota, (507) 284-2511.
Thank you for your question.
Hi Kim I was just finally diagnosed with complex migtaine after 3+ epsoides the docs at first thought it was a TIA (Mini Stroke)
but finally this all makes since as I have a Family history of migraines and since I have had 5 MRIs since June.
My question to the nurologist is going to be do I always have to have a headache because some times I wake up weak and numb on my leftside then My head is really heavy.
I would suggest keeping a Food Journal and a headache journal so you can discuss possible triggers.
I am a healthy athletic 16 year old Mexican male and I have been told i suffer from complex migraine with aura. I want to know if this will ever go away. These migraine pains are debilitating, i cant even walk at times. I’m getting extremely worried and i would just like to know how to control these migraines and if there is a way to get rid of them completely that would be much better. Both my parents and myself are tired of this and would do just about anything to get rid of these migraines. Please get back at me with some advice.
- Concerned migraine sufferer, thank you very much!
Thank you for your question. We will forward your comment to Dr. Dodick for his review. However, if you are interested in scheduling a consultation with one of our headache specialists, then please contact the Appointment Office at Arizona: 480-301-1735 Florida: 904-953-0853 Minnesota: 507-284-2511.
I just suffered my first complex migraine. It was the scariest feeling in the world. I thought I was having a stroke. I was confused, could not speak, had numbness and weakness on my right side. This has never happened before. I started with a dull headache on the left side of my head that lasted off and on for a period of two weeks and then suddenly this happened. Is this something that can just happen to someone? What are treatment options?
Dear Gina, Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. We have attached this link to our appointment desk. http://www.mayoclinic.org/patientinfo/appointments.html
Also attached is a link from Mayo Clinic that describes migraines. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120
Thank You
I am a 28yr old Male. I’ve had 3 complex migranes in the past 3 years, 2 this year, and 1 2 years ago. The first 2 was just a bad headache with numbness and tingling sinsation, and the last one I had the language problem. These are so spratic for me and seem to be happeing around stressfull times. First one, my wife was pregnant. The next 2 I had been working 6 day weeks with only one day off with little sleep. After my last attack I went to the ER, they prescribed me Topamax. I’ve taken it a few days, but I can’t sleep after I take it. Do you think the medication is maybe too much for my situation? And maybe lifestyle changes would help? get 8hrs of sleep, exercise(which I don’t). Thanks, Adam
Dr. I am 22yrs old I have been suffering with severity of complex migraines. I blackout completly and lose conscoiusness. I wake back up 2-3 seconds later extremely weak, without any feeling in my body and inable to move without some kindof help or some sugar to get my body moving again. In the process of these blackouts I get an entire body tingle and that’s how I know I’ll be blacking out. I usually have time to brace myself. My doctor diagnosed me and put me on zomig 5mg. 3 pills 1 every 3 months. I currently have terrible insurance. I’m trying to work and take care of my family. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.please email me.
We are sorry about the pain you are dealing with. Unfortunately, we cannot offer diagnosis through this correspondence. Our site Mayoclinic.org offers detailed descriptions of this condition http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120. If you have questions about an appointment, here are the numbers to call, depending on where you live. To request an appointment: Arizona:480-301-1735
Florida:904-953-0853
Minnesota: 507-284-2511
I am a 42 year old woman and have been having an increase in migraines over the last 2 years, it would seem as a result of birth control pills. I stopped using them almost a year ago, however the migraines have seemed to worsen. I have been diagnosed with complex migraines and my question is: how do you tell the difference between the sensations in complex migraine (such as numbness/tingling in hands) and carpal tunnel? I always assumed I had carpal tunnel, though not formally diagnosed, but as I understand from Dr. Dodick’s video it may be from the headaches. This would make more sense, as I quit work and I am no longer doing tasks that should contribute to the carpal tunnel. Thank you for your assistance in understanding this illness.
I have suffered migraines for over 35 years, I am now 53 years old and the migraines are becoming more frequent, I now have complex as well as regular migraines (as if anything about it is regular) have tried many meds for them and no help, most either allergies to them or no help.
This last migraine was diagnosed as complex after being taken to ER due to jerking of my whole body and not being able to stop. Since the migraine that was treated with the usual combination of Nubain and Vistirel and since then my body keeps feeling like someone is shocking me that runs through my body and keeps my headache going after the meds that usually cure them. I know you can not diagnose but we do not live anywhere close to a metropolois that has major neuro drs. We live in the central Illinois about 4 hours from even the minor drs that have neuro as their majors. I was just curious if the shocking effect was something that may or may not follow a complex migraine.
I GET COMPLEX MIGRAINES WITHOUT THE HEADACHE, BUT ALSO GET REGULAR MIGRAINES. I SEEM TO HAVE ATTACKS OF COMPLEX MIGRAINES 24 HOURS AFTER DRINKING SMALL AMOUNTS OF BEER OR WINE. IS THAT JUST A COINCIDENCE OR WOULD HALF A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE CAUSE AN ATTACK MORE THAN A DAY LATER?
Thank you, Susie, for your question. We will go ahead and forward your question to Dr. Dodick for his review. In the meantime, please take a look at the following link for more information on complex migraines http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/TAB=indepth.
My neurologist had just returned recently from a conference at which hemicrania continua was being thoroughly discussed. He did more evaluations on me, and diagnosed hemi…w/ complex migraines and associated mental/cognitive decline. Indomethacin has worked WONDERS!!! Multiple doses, to be sure, but the difference is incredible! Some of your other responders’ symptoms sound a LOT like mine…
yes i would like to learn more about the migraine with aura, my husband is having all the symptoms of tia, or stroke and all comes out fine and they say migraines, what are some medications that work the best and more info, would appreciate any help.
Hi Robin, thank you for writing. Here is more information that may help you. Also, on this page, there are phone numbers to request an appointment if you feel that could help your husband.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120
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I have been diagnosed as having complex migraines. My hospitalist put me on Topiramate 50mg TAB ZYD and I found out it can decrease the effectiveness of birth control AND cause class D birth defects. What other medication could I take that would not decrease birth control OR not cause class D birth defects?
Stacy, We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/
Within the past 2 weeks I’ve experienced migraine like experiences. The 1st time, the night before, I drank 3 glasses of red wine. The next dayit felt as if my head was going to explode. I went to ER-they did CT scan and x rays and said all was clear. That lasted about 5 days. The 2nd time, I had 2 glasses of Red Sangria and the heavy headaches started the next day and is now lasting on it’s 3rd day. Went to Neuro today and he said it seems I have classic Migranes and prescribed Treximet. I still feel an almost burnign sensation in the back of my head…is that common w migranines? Is it common for such migraines to last about 5 days? Also can red and white wines be a trigger?
hi,Im 35 yo ,physcian from another country and im doing my boards to practice in this lovely country.I live in Miami.I have frecuents headaches +numbness in the rigth side of my face,RT arm .I used to take ibuprophen and tried to sleep and that help me some times….but one day i had numbness on the RT face,arm and leg and also around my lips and tongue ,i went to ER and they did everything to rule out stroke …all the labs came normal !!…they told me that probalbly i have complex migraine and i have to do MRI in order to rule out MS.they prescribe imitrex(sumatiptans)!!!!…i saw on the video that you guys or some physicians do not prescribe triptans ….what should i do?..i was not able to have done my MRI (no insurrance),so what do you recomend? oh give any advice ..thank you for your time…
We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices; the appointment numbers can be found at mayoclinic.org.
Hello,
I have had migraines since I was in 5th grade. I am 43 now. I have always had the ones with auras; darking of the field of visions, floating things, lovely light shows. This along with marked exhaustion, nauseua, vomiting have always been my life. However, they changed about 4 years ago; not for the better I might add. I use to just feel as if I had weights on my shoulders now I feel as if someone drained me. I started experiencing tingling and numbness on the left side of my body and face. I have had problems forming sentences and finding the right words. This has been so bad that I have even gone to a neurologist and been diagnosed with MS; this was later retracted and I was sent to another neurologist who said it was just chronic migraines. She wanted me to go on a drug prevention program that involved narcotics. I did not go back to her but did go to yet another doctor who diagnosed me with Complex Migraines but would not give me meds.
My problem is this: I have taken so much over the counter medications through out the years that they do me no good. I have taken up to 14 tylenol at one time. I have taken several different kinds of meds at a time hoping to stop the pain and the auras but they no longer work well either. What I have done is give myself small little ulcers and stomach problems.
I am tired of this and I cannot seem to get help. I can turn my neck and it pops; not to long after I can have a migraine. I do not even need to hurt but will get the total exhaustion, neusuea and getting sick. I seem to always have tingling now. Are there meds that I can try? I have basicly given up on doctors and am wondering if this is somethign I must deal with for my entire life or is there an answer somewhere?
Thanks for letting me vent.
Rhonda
Rhonda, we are sorry to hear about your battles with migraines. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices; the numbers can be found on mayoclinic.org.
Dear: Rhonda
My name is Sherry I live in West Virginia sounds like we have about the same problems would u like to e-mail me we could talk
Hi there. I seem to have simular symptoms and would like to chat with anyone that is going through the same. I am on neurologist #3, very frustrated, scared, and even depressed, because of still having no answers really. Don’t know what to do. Thanks for your time.
Tricia
Hi Tricia
Yes I would like to talk with you my e-mail is sferrell59@yahoo.com
this is hereditary in my family as far back as we can trave, all females, only two males. I had my lst when I was 10. They mimic a stroke, and twice I have been taken to the hospital because I couldn’t speak and tell them I was having a “numb-spell” (what my family calls them), start with a heavy foot, then numbness, can’t walk, travels up the left side, arm becomes numb, can’t lift, up to the face, vision is affected, then speech, takes about 30-45 minutes to complete its cycle, sometimes have horrific headache, sometimes very small, am confused for a while. Had many tests, including brain MRI with wonderful neuro in Sacramento, who verified no stroke, but was familiar with this headache. Had an autopy performed on my grandmother who suffered terribly with them, brain was intact, no symptom of stroke. Would be glad to communicate with anyone who has questions, or just wants to talk.+
I to suffer Dianne from these kind of Migraines, my father has them. Mine usually begins with negative/ positive auras , then the numbness happens; sometimes I wake up with my whole left side of my body numb, this happened to me the other day. After the nummness subsides then I will get the vomiting and then the pain in the head. Only every now and then will I loose my speach entirely. I was tested for TIA’S and stroke in the past but all the doctors said they were Migraines. It does take me awhile to get back to my old self. I have been going to acupuncture since January to see if it helps and I do believe it has, I think it has lessoned them.
I am a 31 year old female who was diagnosed with complex migraines in September 2011 after having two episodes of blurred vision on my right side, difficulty finding words, numbness in my right hand, followed by headache. I was briefly hospitalized for potential TIA but MRI all came back normal, hence the complex migraine diagnosis. Since that point, I have continued to experience numbness in my right side (now also in my left) and dizziness. This is getting to the point of debilitation. Could this be continued migraine symptoms or something else? I’ve been to see a neurologist, physical rehab physician and GP — none of whom have been helpful. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, we cannot provide diagnosis, treatment recomments or second opinions via this correspondence. If you would like to be evaluated at Mayo Clinic, please go to mayoclinic.org for appointment information.
I’ve had the same experience two weeks ago and also continue to have numbness and migraine symptoms. Have you received any relief or help? Looking for answers.
ii am 28 years old and have been hospitalized 2 times for what the doctors beleive to be strokes the first time it happened was when i was 25, and it was a large portion of the left side of my brain that showed she one big stroke they said. but much like the complex migraines the symptoms come and then go a short time later the second time it happened was just last october and i was hospitalized again for a week
no answers, lots of tests they want me to do some genetic testing that i cant afford but unlike the first time it happened this time it was the right side of my brain and the doctors said that they can see 3 strokes on the scans cva they called them its frustrating beause i lost my job because of these headaches and i havent been able to go back to work they have me on all sorts of medications because i also have something called raynauds syndrome and add, i dont like not knowing whats going on and whether or not this is something that may have been passed on to my children
there have been some lingering effects i find i am a little slower and i still sometimes have trouble controlling my hands once in awhile the headaches arent getting any better or worse
Dr.
I started to get migraines after i had my twins. They got worse as the years went by as I was taking birth control. After 6 years, my OBGYN would no long let me have the birth control pill since my migraines were still getting progressively worse. I was to the point where absolutely nothing helped, prevented, or stopped them from happening. They would last about 3 days and then it seemed that for 7 more days it was just waiting for something to trigger it again. I first get the visual disturbances, usually i can look at something and i will only see half of it. then i have the speech problems. i will try to say something or explain something and everytime i say something completely stupid that doesnt make sense. the pain hits and by then i an usually throwing up do to the vision problem…I stopped taking the birth control pill 2.5 years ago. I have and IUD, paraguard, no hormones. My body cant handle the hormones. I havent had a migraine since i got my IUD until today. However i was albe to take 700mg of alieve and my vision was ok and my headache not nar like it could be, my speech was stupid but ok.. Just wondering it you could think of something that would have triggered it. thz
We will check with the doctor.
Hello my son is 13 and is having aura’s without Migraines I believe. Is that possible? He has the zig zag lights, blue aura, a blind spot in the middle, weird sensation on his head & blurred vision, it only lasts about 5 minutes or less. He also said he remembers having these as early as 3rd grade. Can kids get these that early?
Yes, children can experience the varied manifestations of migraine at very early ages. However, there are other disorders that mimic migraine and migraine aura and it would be highly advisable to have your child evaluated by a pediatrician and pediatric migraine specialist or pediatric neurologist.
My daughter go diagnosed with Complex migraines very recently. I have never been so terrified in my life, she lost her feeling in hers arms and hand, Lost her ability to speak properly and couldn’t read. Eye sight was also effected. I thought she was having a stroke. It all lasted about 40 minutes and then she has a migraine headach for about 6 hours. She is only 12. My poor little girl, this is really not fair!!!
Last night I had almost all of these symptoms for the first time in my life. I’m 24 years old and at first I felt my right hand get really heavy, like it wasn’t part of my body. Around the same time I began to see an aura on my right peripheral. I saw little zig zags and some blurriness. I was feeling dizzy by now and about ten minutes or so after my right hand began to feel completely numb. I thought I was having a stroke but I could still talk and do things, although everything felt strange and I was still very dizzy. The numbness moved to the right side of my face and then my right side of the lip and finally to the right side of my tongue. It was very hard for me to read and make sense of things and I felt like I was losing my vocabulary because I kept forgetting simple words. I even tried to type what I was feeling in my phone and when I looked at it today, a lot of it was jumbled. Everything lasted less than an hour but I remained dizzy and disoriented for several hours followed by a headache behind my left eye. By the end of the night I was basically back to normal, however, I still have that slight headache. My family does suffer from migraines but they have never said anything about complex migraines. Could this have possibly been my very first episode or could it be something else? That I know of, I have never had a migraine in my life.
I am 28 years old and have suffered from Migranes since my teens. I have been prescribed Imitrix and Zomig in pill form, nasal spray and needle. I am currentlu going through a migrain that has lasted a week and a half. I have only used the Zomig to combat this. The pain will only decrease a bit but wont go away. The other day my legs felt very weird. The best way i can describe the feeling i had was that it was like ‘growing’ pains when your a kid. Today i felt the same things in my arms, shoulders and neck. I have never experienced this before and it scares me. Help!
Jan 10, 2012 I went to ER for stroke like symptoms (I am 43yrs). All tests came back neg. Spent 4 days in hosp. Diagnosed with Complicated Migraines. I get Aphasia, severe confusion, Severe R side head pain and complete loss of use of L side. Was referred to Neuro. He put me on 300mg Amitriptilyne!!! Next 2 months terrible and almost killed me. Finally went into hospital for detox and med change. Now have severe memory problems and some functional problems. I am now on Topomax for the Complicated migraines and have not had one for 1 week. (they were happening every couple of days). Is it possible the high dose of amitriptilyne caused any damage? Do Complicated migraines ever stop completely?
Dear Dr Dodick,
I have been suffering with migraine since after the births of my two children who are now 40 and 39. At first they came every couple of months or so, but progressively have became worse and more frequesnt.(I suffuer with 2-3 per week and lasting for somethimes as long as 24-48 hours). I am now at the point that I have no life. I have a constant HA ranging from 3-5 and within a short period of time esclates to 9-10(if I don’t lay down a rest). I do have a Neurologist and she just threw her hands up and said there was nothing more she could do for me.. I have tried a multitude of meds: specifice to migrain Imetrex, Midrin, Elavil, Amaryl, DHE, Tramadol,and recently had BOTOX inject…that was pointless and expessive! I have had narcotic combos: I give myself IM. To no avail. The DHE nasal spray did nothing but when hospitalized and DHE was given IV it seemed to give temporary relief. I have also used Torodol IM and Po ..no change. I have used a concoction of Demerol 200mg Im w/ Benadry 50mgIM and Phenergan 25mg IM. That did absolutely NOTHING. I am at a loss. I have changed my diet and eliminated all foods that are triggers and that did nothing. I am at the end of my rope. I can no longer work as a critical care RN or any other job because I cannot count on a day void of the migraine. Florescent lighting, noise, and strong odors/fragrences are my uncontrollable triggers as it relates to employment. I have seen numerous neurologist had multiple tests: EEG, CT w/wo contrast, nerve blocks, and the tests only show an abnormality on the L side of my brain but no one seem to be able to address this or knows what or how to take care of it. My headaches start in my occipital region causing stiff neck then progresses to the left temporal (I have a constant ringing in my ear and my Otolaryngologist started me on Polyfavinoid(?)then proceeds to the frontal. All of my pain seems to be on the L-side to the frontal. As it progresses the L side of my face becomes numb and my vision doubles. I don’t know if that is considered and Aura. Presently the only med. I am on is Ameryl
25mg BID. I have nothing for the excrutiating pain. I have nausea and occassionally vomiting. I might tell you at this point, that I do have an underlying condition Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. Which has a profound effect on any therapy I try. I get one thing under control and then another issue goes out of control. Presently I have a DCPM for Neurocardiogenic Syncope, profound brady 20bpm-30bpm. and VT, I continue to have syncopal episodes even with the pacemaker and its built-in controlls for my NeuroCardioGenic sycope. I have a respiratory issue w/ a new diagnosis of Reactive Airway Disease and Asthma (I can not tolerate cold or odors), I have a Rheumatologist, who has been helpful (in her field but not w/ the migraines). The Neurologist I had recently advised me there was nothing further she could do for me and sent me back to my primary MD who specializes in Internal Medicine and Renal ( I have had episodes of ARF and stones —-hospitalized for both issues surgery for the stones). I have had multiple hospitalizations and right now I do not know where to go. I have had 2 GI bleeds requiring intervention D/T medications.
I would like to see you at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona (as my husband and I are thinking to moving to a warmer climate for me)since many of my issues are triggered my changes in temp. We are looking at a time in April and are willing to fly out and take a chance on anything you might be able to offer.) I must say one thing, I have had doctors that I have seen one time and then they
turn me over to their Resident…I do not want that to be the case if I make this trip to see you. I hape you can understand. I can bring all of my records from all MDs. and hospital stays, tests, etc. Please advise me if you would be willing to see me. I have done much research as has my husband and what you are doing w/ migraine control looks promising. Please let me know if you can take on my request. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Juanita (Anita) Starika
If your husband would like to be seen in the Neurology Department at the Mayo Clinic, this link will provide you with the contact information for each site: http://www.mayoclinic.org/neurology/appointments.html
I am 22 years old and currently 16 weeks pregnant with my second child. I have suffered from migraines since I was 15, I use to take maxolt but haven’t since giving birth to my first child. I have been having migraines that start with seeing zig zags in my right eye and then both my eyes start hurting and on a few occassions i have not been able to read words( it is like i am looking at a foreign language, I do not even know how to pronounce the letters let alone what letters they are) this usually only lasts half an hour and then is followed by a terrible migraine; with a sharp pain from behind my eyes shooting down to the base of my neck. The serve pain lasts a day and then stays as a dulling ache for another day or two. My neuro said the aura is probably a complex migraine and has prescribed me fioricet with codeine. Which I haven’t been able to take these because they make me very nauseated.
MoyaMoya runs in my family but since I am pregnant they are waiting till i deliver to do the MRI. At my latest OB GYN appointment my blood pressure as 118/88, which is not terribly high but is higher than my normal 110/66. My neuro is aware of what moyamoya is, and thinks since i am so young i should not have to worry about strokes (my cousin who is 24 had many mini strokes over 6 months before having 3 major ones, she then had the bypass surgery on both sides of her brain). This concerns me because my cousin’s neuro said all her confusion and migraines were mini strokes. The only thing my neuro has suggested is keeping my blood pressure down, watching my weight ( i am not over weight by any means, 130 pounds and 5’8″), and staying away from certain foods that may trigger migraines and of course drinking lots of water! She said they would probably be present at the delivery to watch for signs of a stroke and blood clots.
I started having migraines for the first time in my life 6 yrs. ago at age 56. I lose partial vision, then see a flashing zig zag pattern which lasts approximately 20 minutes followed by severe one-sided head pain that lasts about 20 hours. Many times during the migraine I can’t understand what words mean, oral or written. I speak in a robotic, slow, monotone voice. Also, I feel like I don’t recognize myself in the mirror. I’ve gone to the ER and had an MRI and they said it was not a stroke.
The worst migraine I had was last year, the day after a stent was put in my subclavian artery. It lasted a week and I had to get a shot at the hospital.
I’ve read that migraines tend to decrease with age. Have you ever heard of them appearing for the first time at my
age? Does this predispose me to a stroke?
Thank you.
I have been suffering from migraines with auras since 2005(3 months pregnant at the time). The symptoms I get during the aura include mirage like distortions or tiny shimmering dots. Slurred speech, difficulty hearing or comprehending what is going on around me. Memory loss, distorted letters when trying to read, the right side of my face and right arm and right hand tingle and go numb, I feel like I am not in control of my limbs, I lose feeling in my tongue, tremble, cannnot walk straight or stand. These last about 40 minutes and are followed by a severly dishabilitating migraine on only one side of the head that can last up to 3 days. I have already been administered 2 doses of morphine and the pain was still there. I could litterally rip my eye out of it’s socket. My grandfather passed away from a brain aneurism at the age of 30 in a potato field. I am now 28 years old and feel like everytime I get one, it will be the one that kills me. Everytime I get an attack, my grandfather comes to me in my dreams and holds my hand. I have 2 young daughters and need to be there for them cuz they have nobody else they can be with if something were to ever happen to me. I don’t know what to do about the attacks and I feel like I should be declared disabled because of them. When are they bad enough to declare that the person is disfunctional because of them. I can’t even get my Maxalt open when I get them so forget even reading how to take them, I can’t remember how to take them cuz I have memory loss when I get an attack. These hurt worst than any other pain I have ever suffered and leave me crying waiting for the blood to gush out from my eye sockets. I need some answers and I am worried to die at 30 like my grandfather did. As a mother of 2 children who only have their mommy to rely on, please help me.
Hi Linda,
We are so sorry to hear about these complications. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices (Arizona: 480-301-1735; Florida: 904-953-0853; Minnesota: 507-284-2511).
Here is also a Mayo Clinic link to information on migraines: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120.
Thanks.
I was just dignosed with complex migrains resently after 2 years of going through many many tests and diagnosis and finally after going into the ER for 3 days in a row with body being numb and headache a ER doctor finally asked me if I had ever been to see a Neurologist on this headache issue and I had never even put two and two together and finally went and was diagnosed with this. I am now taking topamax and it seems to be working for me. I have a few headaches every now and again but not like I used to and I do not have the numbness or other side effects like I did that sent me into the ER. My question is will I be on this medication my whole life? And is there going to come a time from reading posts on your website that this is going to stop working and I will be right back where I started? I fear that this will happen and I really can’t go through what I have been going through the last two years. It was a pure hell.
Brenda, We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at mayoclinic.org.
I am a 47-year-old female. For about 30 years I have suffered varying degrees of migraines. Last year I lost 45 lbs and started eating completely “clean.” I didn’t have a migraine for about 5 months I did not have a single migraine. I thought it was a miracle. Then I had my first complex migraine. I was on vacation and spent a day at a hospital getting tested. They thought I’d had a TIA. Then upon arriving home I was given another series of more extensive tests. I had a second one 10 tens ago. I am now diagnosed with CM’s (complex migraines).
Here is the problem: I am a Supreme Court Criminal Court Reporter. I had a job that is stressful. I have to learn how to cope with this. Is there any help for me? I can’t be sluggish or doped up at work. I have to be sharp and after this second one I still feel unwell and on the verge of another CM.
Is there any help for me to live a normal life?
Elizabeth
Hello,
I am writing this in hopes that Mayo Clinic may be the answer.
I had stress migraines for years, but was treated with Botox and had 90% relief.
In 2009, I was attacked and received head trauma. Since, I have suffered from migraines 2-3 times a week along with black outs, vertigo and confusion. I have fallen down the stairs on numerous occasions and have continued to hit my head.
I live in Nevada and have seen neurologist, had numerous MRI’s, CT scans and no answers. I don’t tolerate medications(treated with at least 20) and pain meds make me very ill, not to mention the side effects.
I am moving to AZ April 2012, to get away from the wind, which causes migraines and to hopefully get some help with my head. Thank you, Joanne
This is my second post. I had a question the first time I posted. It’s ok that I got no response.
After my second “complex migraine” — to be known hereon out as CM — I had residual tingling in my left hand and arm that progressed down the leg, foot and eventually shoulder and neck. I have had two medical practitioners mention perhaps having an issue with my neck (one is the head of neurology at a Manhattan hospital, the other an MD that practices alternative medicine), I decided to check it out.
I made an appointment at an Atlas Orthoganal doctor. I had X-rays done and am awaiting the my first real session. I am now in moderate pain from my neck radiating down my shoulder, with tingling down my arm and leg on the left side. Strange side effects for a CM….
Upon talking with my elderly father, I have discovered that he has had the same undiagnosed symptoms of CM as I have had. He lacked health insurance and felt he could cope with the sypmtoms of vision loss, speech loss and numbness. Just learned yesterday that we BOTH have a left leg that is over half an inch shorter than the right.
I can’t help but deduce that my diagnosed CM’s are really an issue induced by a problem in my neck. (I never get a headache with a CM…and, yeah, I know you can be told it doesn’t mean a headache.)
I suppose what I want to say is I am hopeful that this will stop my CM’s…or whatever they are. I get the impression that my CM’s have a title, but that it may not be a CM after all.
I would recommend for anyone with all the same symptoms to check all possibilities. A lifetime of meds for a condition I don’t have would be so unappealing.
All the best to all who suffer these scary, sometimes debilitating episodes.
I am a 55 yr old women. I had a minor stroke 2yrs ago. Since that time I have been plagued with complex migraine. My ? For u is the new Botox treatment availeable or recommend for this type of migraine. Thank u for u’r time
Kim, thank you for your question. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices; the numbers can be found at mayoclinic.org.
I believe I have migraine associated vertigo (mav) or what some call vestibular migraines. I have been to every type of doctor and one mentioned this to me. I’ve researched it and truly believe I have found out what has been wrong with me for the past 2 months. My question is, I live in the Atlanta, Georgia area can you recommend any doctors that directly deal with/treat MAV. I don’t know if I should see a neurologist or a neurotologist? Any recommendation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Neurology specialists see people with migraines.
I understand that migraines can also prodcue numbness in the hands and legs. I once had a very strong pain in the right side of the head and then suddenly my arms got numb. When I checked out with a doctor, it seems that my nerves in the head and jaw are producing the irritated feeling causing my numbness.
I am 47 years old, female and had stroke-like symptoms including right-sided weakness, speech and thought difficulties. I was taken to Emergency for a “stroke” with blood pressure of 148/98. After undergoing all the tests and MRI with “no evidence of stroke”, I started to develop severe pressure type pain in my right eye. The physician in charge immediately declared” complex migraine”, and injected large dose of Dilaudid, Phenergan, and Toradol for “whatever”. This is the second attack like this I have had. Both times I never had a headache. Is this possible? Not to have a headache?
Thank you.
Michelle, Thank you for your message.
We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
That is what is happening to me.
Yes! It is definitely possible to have complex migraines with no headache. This is one of the myths about migraines. Personally, I do not even like the term “complex migraine” because it seems to minimize what you are really going through. You’d be surprised how many people, even a few doctors, look at me weird when I say I have complex migraines but never have a headache. The stroke-like symptoms of complex migraines can involve just visual symptoms or tingling or numbness, for instance. I relate to you, because I had absolutely no personal or family history, and all of a sudden at age 47 I got high blood pressure and stroke-like symptoms. Had episodes off and on, and was not officially diagnosed until age 49 by a neurologist who finally got me on a prescription that worked. After having this for five years now, I’m learning to live with it, despite having a new symptom (left leg pain) suddenly start to appear with episodes. Complex migraines are indeed complex!
My 16 year old son had a complex migraine. He had what he called “mini-migraines” for about 10 days following the event. He had a really hard time concentrating in school. Are these events similar to how someone would feel after a concussion? Should schools that have concussion protocols in place be giving the same considerations, such as postponing tests to a student that has gone to the ER as a result of a complex migraine? I know that you cannot give specific medical advice, but how long can a patient suffer the affects of a complex migraine. ie: confusion,trouble concentrating, memory issues and fatique?
He is doing better now, following a migraine diet. PS there are lots of nitrate free options out there.
hi,
can a complex migraine cause a person to develop ankle and elbow hyperreflexia and clonus? or have gait problems?
thanks
jackie
Jackie, We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
I AM A 34 YEAR OLD FEMALE IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. LAST WEEK MY HEADACHES CHANGED AND I AWOKE TO THE LOSS OF FEELING IN MY FACE ON THE LEFT SIDE. I HAVE HAD MRI’S AND CT SCANS. I HAVE NO ANSWERS TO THESE PROBLEMS AND AS A SINGLE PARENT OF TWO I HAVE TO WORK. LAST WEEK I LEFT WORK IN THE AMBULANCE AND MAY BE IN JEPORADY OF LOSING MY JOB. IF YOU CAN REFER ME TO A NUROLOGIST I WOULD BE FOREVER GRATEFUL.
Angel, We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. We have campuses in Rochester, MN; Jacksonville, FL; and Scottsdale, AZ. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
I am a 51 yr old female. 8 years ago in 2004, I had a stroke like epsisode that started with visual auras, tingling in my left arm and then an inability to speak or comprehend written words for about 20 minutes. One this passed I was in a very subdued state, but didn’t have a headache. I went to a GP the next day and she quickly diagnosed it as migraine. I was surprised and asked her how it could be a migraine if I didn’t have a headache and she said headaches aren’t always associated with migraines. She sent me to a neruologist who ran a series of tests to rule out stroke. Approx one month after the episode I started to get headaches in my forehead above my eyes that felt like a weight hanging over my eyes. These migraines, sometimes debiliating with visual auras and extreme cognitive issues and sometimes a little better, but always with associated cognitive problems, have been persistent for the last 8 years – THEY NEVER GO AWAY. The symptoms are not those of typical migraines – I have them all the time, I don’t have sensitivity to light or nausea, but do have heightened senses – hearning and smell. Over the last 8 years I’ve searched out numerous traditional and non-traditional remedies – multiple neurologists, acupuncturist, osteopath, medical intuitive, healer in Brazil as well as eliminated all triggers for a period of time, taken 30 homeopathic remedies for 2 years, allergy testing, allergy drops, numerous supplements, etc. with no relief or sense for what is causing these migraines. I’ve never had another episode but struggle daily with head pain, disorientation, lack of focus, motivation, lack of energy, etc. Any thoughts or guidance would be much appreciated as I’m at my wits end after 8 years.
One year ago this June I was rear ended at 70 mph by a drunk driver and since then my health has taken an unlikely toll. I suffered from whiplash and what appeared to only be some soft tissue damage. I went through 6 months of physical therapy and although I recovered some I have been suffering from excruciating and very long migraine episodes. In fact, today is day 17th of what seems like the most painful migraine I have ever felt.
I have seen countless doctors including two neurologists (Dr. Purcell and Dr.Blumenfeld), my general doctor (Dr.Robert Fox) and countless others.
The doctors I have seen do not seem to notice anything wrong in my neck and head MRI and have simply prescribed me a boatload of medications which have done no more than cause me some weight gain.
please help
Jessica, we are sorry to hear about the difficulties you have been having since your car accident. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
I’m wondering if there have been any studies or in-depth research on sleep apnea and complex/classic migraines?
This could be a vicious circle!
i am 17 years old and one day at work my speech turned to giberish, i couldnt write and it lasted a few hours. i get headaches nearly every day ranging from a 5 (on a good day) to a 9.5 (on a bad day)a week later i saw my doctor they ran blood work and did and EEG? and sent me to a neurologist who said i was probably just stressed and kids get migranes all the time she told me i should quit my job and take sleeping pills….i thought it was weird that she went right to complex migrane and sleeping pills. i went to my family doc. and he gave me something for my headaches but its not doing anything for me…..does this sound like complex migranes and do you think there is anything i could take or do to stop them (I DO NOT WANT TO QUIT MY JOB!)
thank you for your time and help
~bree
Hi Bree, Thank you for your message.
Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
Hi Bree, Just wanted to reach out to you as I was 18 when my migraines started (27 now and I still get migraines occasionally but not nearly as severe as in my teens). I was in college and working and I had the same symptoms you had with the slurred speech and loss of motor functions. I would stay away from the sleeping pills because those can be habit forming and certainly won’t stop your migraines.
I too had to miss a lot of work and it was very frustrating. There’s some things you should definitely do to manage this condition and its all about triggers. First of all, commit to getting on (and staying on) a good sleep schedule. I gave up going out with friends for awhile but it made a difference. For me, going a night without sleep whether it was to study or to party, and then sleeping 12+ hours the next day to “make up” for it always triggered migraines. Along with that get your regular exercise and 30 minutes or so a day to relax. Sounds like a no-brainer, but for migraine sufferers, working these into your schedule no matter what will help you have a normal life!
Second, keep an eye on foods that are known triggers-red wine, cheese, and caffeine are big ones. Maybe try staying off some triggers for a week or two and see if they make a difference. For me, I found red wine was a no no, but caffeine didn’t really affect my migraines. Write down what you eat for a few days and see what kind of meals could have possible sparked a migraine.
I learned in my adult life that getting my glasses prescription adjusted greatly helped my migraines. Eye strain causes regular headaches, but for migraine patients, that can be a million times worse. If you use a computer for work or school, make sure you take breaks and avoid using the TV or computer in totally dark room because this adds stress to your eyes that can set off a migraine.
Finally, insist that your doctor refer you to a neurologist. Every migraine patient should be scanned for a bigger issue. In my case, my neuro didn’t find anything wrong, but he also didn’t start me on preventatives which I now greatly need. You should either take preventives or have medication ready and in place to stop a migraine that has started.
Hope this helps!
I am a 39 years old and I have been dealing with migraines since I was a teenager. I just had my first complex migraine and I just knew I was having a stroke. Now that I am slightly educated on complex migraine I need to know how to keep them at bay and manage it with my other health conditions. Any suggestions?
Dorie, Thank you for your message. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
That Dr. looks and sounds like Steve Buscemi!
On March 7, 2012, I was rushed to the ER, for what they thought was a Mini-Stroke. I am a 41 yr old woman, in fairly good health, why was I having a Mini-Stroke? After about 5 hours of tests, I was put on Plavix and given a shot of Reglan and sent home, and told to f/u with my doctor on Friday. By Friday I was still experiencing confusion, speech issues, and lack of coordination, my doctor, thought something was still really wrong and immediately got me to a Neurologist. He put me on Topamax, (which I now call Dopamax), it was to be increased every two weeks as long as I was having Magraine symptoms. I didn’t have a headache, I had flashing lights, like a stobe light, and felt dizzy as if I had to much to drink, but hadn’t been drinking, and my speech was slurred or I couldn’t find my words. After seeing the Neurologist again a week later, I was told it wasn’t a mini stroke but instead he was pretty sure a Complex Migraine, but for medical prognoisis, we were going to do a full Cardiac work up and a Neuro work-up. I did a Cardiac Doppler with Vascular, Negative, wore the Cardiac Halter Monitor for 72 hours, Negative, did the Sleep Deprivation Eeg, Negative, EKg, Negative, Catscan, Negative, MRI, Negative. To add to the crazy, a few weeks ago my 9 year old son found me face down on the floor, and ran down stair to get his Dad saying that Mom was dead. I had passed out, that had never happened before. At this point I am up to 100 Mg of Topamax and still having symtoms, mostly the flashing light thing. I am irratable, and down right bitchie. So now what? I am getting ready to move from the great state Hawaii to the Washington D.C., Metro/Area can I get a second opinion?
I’m sitting in the hospital with my daughter who the doctors are starting to believe is currently having a Complex Migraine. Six years ago she was in a car accident with a head injury. Three years ago she was diagnosed with a Chiari Malformation. January of 2010 she had the decompression surgery which has been a great success. I say all this to ask if you have ever experienced an onset of Complex Migraines due to a head injury? Also, could a computer screen be a trigger.
Thank you for your note. I have forwarded your questions to the doctor for a response and will pass that on to you as soon as I hear back.
My daughter is 17 years old and suffers from debilitating daily migraine. She has had this since she was 13. Her pain varies from7-9. Most of her time is spent in the bed. School has been impossible for the last 3yrs. She has a Nero stimulater which was implanted almost. 12months ago by Dr. Reed in Dallas,Texas. It only work well and kept pain completely gone fore one week. She takes topamax 100mg 2x daily,aricept 5mg2xdaily, phenergran 25mg, ambien cr,trazodone100mg, nadolol 20mg, cymbalta 60mg. We have done iv DHE 3x in the past yeAr. Each time Eliot gets a pic and usually has a minimum of 20 doses. Gets pain to zero…. Only last as long as she is getting iv. Within 24-36 hrs it usually back up to at least a6 or 7pain level. We are so desperate for help. My child has no quality of life….ANY ONE…..please.
On Monday (July 16th) afternoon I turned off the computer from a two hour session and stood up. Then everything went crazy–double or triple images of everything–moving. I could not do the simplest task, like turn off the radio. I was alone, so I sat down, and then developed a terrible headache on the left side. Called a cab and went to ER, where I couldn’t remember any of my meds or the year, though I knew my name. I had two CT scans that didn’t show a stroke, and I felt better, so was released. The next day I had an MRI, which showed that I had a small stroke. Was put on a blood thinner and now on a statin (though my cholesterol isn’t high) Could this stroke with migraine be just a coincidence? I’ve taken Tamoxifen for several years, which could be a factor in the stroke. I’ve had migraines with aura before, infrequently, but nothing like this.
Hello and thank you for your question. We will forward your question to Dr. Dodick for his review and then get back to you with his response. Thanks again.
I’ve been suffering with migraines and complex migraines for years now. Tompax made my MS symptoms much worse and I’ve tried many other meds that either effect my MS or my Crohn’s diseases. One migraine lasted 23 days and ended up in the hospital having a spinal tap. I’ve also had a TIA. I wish there was something out there, besides pain pills-that I will not take, for some relief. I’ve research and been to many neuro Dr.’s. Also my vision is effected by severe optic nerve damage.
I am 53 year old threw my childhood years I had bad migraines to the point numbness slur speech and lines and about three years ago. I had a beloved Aunt pass away and after we went back to see her The bright light in the morgue was so bright when we left from that room into the hall way which was not as bright I went like feeling as though i was going into a hole took to emergency room. They thought I was having a stroke did a CT scan and later did a MRI but they can’t explain why the lines have never left my side vision I was told yesterday at the Doctors office I had a complex migraines. What I don’t under stand is why the lines won’t go away it is in my right eye the side vision the MRI scan said it should have been the left if it was a stroke. I would give anything for the lines to go away. I just don’t understand why they stay and the Doctors have no exclamation to why they are still there can you maybe explain why they are still there? I know you can’t diagnose but some hint to why they never go away please!!!!!
Kay, Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
Has anyone seen a trend where some people come in with stroke type symptoms, nothing shows on tests and they are told they had a TIA anyway. Others come in with stroke type symptoms, nothing shows on tests and they are told they had a complex migraine? I know more women than men have migraines’ but could this be part of the reason why? Those whom they assume had a small stroke, get meds, attention and sympathy. While those who are diagnosed with complex migraines, get pushed out the door, so to speak. What bothers me is that calling these events complicated “migraines” implies little need for treatment nor much to worry about; i.e., “Oh, next time your left side goes numb, you get a stabbing pain in your leg, and your speech-slurs, just assume its your migraine and not a stroke.” Ah-h-h, I don’t think so!? Doctors are looking at the same thing–stroke like symptoms with nothing much showing on any tests–diagnosing them differently with different treatment. Maybe complex migraine has earned its right for its own specialty and nomenclature.
I have to comment because one day I actually went into the ER with numbness so bad and only on my left side, my left eye feeling like a bolt of lightening had just hit it, and pain shooting up and down my left thigh, and after a brief exchange with the doctor (I incl. my complex migraine history), given an Imitrex injection, and then told as I was being lead out the door: “Give us a call or come back if your speech starts slurring”. Sigh! Sometimes I think doctors must feel so burdened with us Complex patients. I agree that Complex Migraine really doesn‘t seem to personify the gauntlet of experiences you are going through much. I did see the term “Complicated Migraine Syndrome,” the other day, which seems a move in the right direction. To me, what most of us go through is a syndrome of experiences vs. just an episode.
Hi Dr. Dodick. Just heard you on Dr. Diane Reem’s show. I actually live in Scottsdale and have been seeing a migraine specialist in Phoenix, but with no results. I am 50 yrs. old and have had migraines in increasing intensity since I was 23 yrs. old. They can last for up to 8 days, several times a month. I never have an aura. I am on Verapamil for HTN, on Topamax preventatively, but cannot see that it is doing much good. I take triptans prn with relief. Eliminating wine from my diet is the only trigger that seems to have much impact. What I did not hear addressed in your talk this a.m. was hormonal component. I feel there is a strong correlation between my periods and my migraines which have grown much stronger over the years. I am perimenopausal but (hoping?) that menopause will eliminate my migraines/or someone now can put me on some hormone adjustment that can eliminate them now. I did skip 2 periods earlier this summer and noticed a marked decrease in my migraines during that time!! But headaches are now back with a vengeance along with period. So what does this mean and do I have hope of controlling or eliminating migraines with menopause/hormone therapy? Thank you.
Hello everyone,
I have had many severe neurological symptoms from aura, bright spots, weakness and numbness on the left side, my tongue becomes heavy, sometimes i have tremors where my entire body shakes as if i’m having a seizure, there have been long periods of time where i was having difficulty breathing and swallowing etc. etc. I live in new york have been to 5 neurologists here who did not take me seriously because mri, cat scan, xray, blood work, eeg all came out perfect (thank god) but my life turned upside down lost my job cause i couldnt function properly, there were times where i could’nt do anything on my own, my husband would help me to the bathroom. Long story short i went to baltimore johns hopkins to see my 6th neurologist dr. Gregory krauss and finally he took me seriously and i was dx with complex migraines and a hyper sensitive autonomic nervous system. He actually suggested accupuncture which worked amazingly i first saw dr. Krauss in february 2012 and have been doing accupuncture since. My symptoms almost completely disappeared i still have my days but there has been a huge difference. I saw dr. Krauss again in july and he was very pleased with my progress. I think everyone here should try it. I personally swear by it. I hope this helps.
I have suffered migraines for a number of years now. They are always responsive to ‘as-needed’ prescription doses. Last week I had what may have been my first ‘complex migraine’, with symptoms that mimic a stroke. My vision was disrupted, followed by difficultly formulating sentencing and then numbness in my fingers that spread up to my elbow and right cheek, lips and tongue.
I was wondering whether complex migraines are always accompanied by severe headaches. While I know you can’t diagnose conditions under these circumstances, I’m concerned about the potential implications of the entire episode subsiding after an hour without any medication, and not including pain beyond a subtle headache.
Hello, Brittany. I am not an MD, but I have had complex migraines for close to five years now, and only once did I ever had what I would call a headache. For me, it begins with visual disturbances, as you describe above, and then dizziness and tingling and numbness on my left side. I can see where you are coming from. It is very hard to go through such episodes and ignore them and just write them off as a complex migraine, all the while your mind and body are telling you something is way-off. My personal feeling is that unless you experience them, you don’t really have a clue what it is like to be having stroke-like symptoms and having to go around acting like nothing is wrong. It is a big issue–how do you really know if it is just your complicated migraine, or an actual stroke? This really isn’t addressed much anywhere. There may be no way to really tell. I can only fall back on what my neurologist told me once that he would be treating me the same regardless. I have been on a prophylactic drug for complicated migraines for years. One that also treats high blood pressure. Best of luck to you. It is scary, unfortunately. And, again, it is definitely possible to have no headache with complicated migraines. They are very different.
I have been getting migraines since the 8th grade, I am now 54. Mine were not chronic but they were quite often, perhaps once a month. As a child, I can still recall the symptoms, it started with this weird nauseous feeling (much different from a heartburn feeling), then my sinuses would open up and feel like the air was just rush through them, then it was the spots and then the sensitivity to light and sound. As time went on more symptoms started showing up. The heavy tongue, the inability to speak or write sensibly or to understand what was being said to me. I went through my 20′s, 30′s. In my 40′s the symptoms started changing—the sensitivity to light and sound got better,the sinuses were better but tingling started. I would feel it in my finger tips first, then up and down to the other hand, then up and down my legs, into my jaw and mouth and it settled into my forehead. The spots were just as bad but a new thing I can only describe as that the sides of my vision started to get gray and close in. In my 50′s I finally got a handle on it and learned to calm down and get through it. Not easy. I am turning 55 in Dec and for 1 year now I have not had a headache. I was told that for some reason, in some men, at this age they just fade away for no reason at all.
I tried everything from traditional doctor and pills, to chiropractor, to acupressure, to acupuncture to a healer to breathing classes to a neurologist, with MRI and Cat Scans along the way. I finally figured out it is all stress. I have learned to try to keep calm, and loose and exercise and have an outlet for the tension to release from…..and it seems to help a great deal. During all of these years I have never had a “regular headache”.
I hope some of you found this useful and informative.
How quickly do symptoms from a complicated migraine usually last like dizziness and double vision…?
Tiffany, here is some information from our website that should help you out with your migraine question: http://www.mayoclinic.org/migraine
Hello, without me getting into too many details and what-not as I know you can only do so much over the internet, do you know if there is any correlation between complex migraines and grand mal seizures? I’m a 33 yo female, have had migraines since I was a teen but they’ve gotten more frequent and painful over the years. This past summer I had a grand mal seizure at an amusement park wave pool. The neuro I’m seeing now is wondering, as I am also if a migraine triggered it, altho I had no indication of one coming,this was my 1st seizure. He also diagnosed me with complex migraines based on my symptoms that didn’t start until after the seizure (face numbing, auras, white vision flashes,etc).
HI Jenn,
Thank you for contacting Mayo Clinic with your questions. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices at Mayo Clinic in Arizona 800-446-2279 (toll free), Mayo Clinic in Florida 904-953-0853 or Mayo Clinic in Minnesota
507-538-3270 and they can assist you with scheduling an appointment with a specialist.
For nearly years, I have had symptoms that include random tingling, loss of sensation (I have fallen because of this), loss of fine motor in my hand, vision clarity, and loud ringing in my ears. None of the symptoms are continual, but they come and go randomly, for various lengths of time (a few minutes to a a few days), with no apparent triggers.
My GP began a series of tests, and he and a radiologist were convinced it was MS, due to gray spots found on a baseline MRI of my brain. My age was ruled out (55 at the time) because my overall health and physical condition are excellent. They also ruled out migraine disease, because I have no headaches to speak of. A neurologist follow up was recommended.
The neurologist has run tests throughout the last year, and has ruled out several conditions. With regard to the spots on the original brain MRI, there was “some change in size, but not enough to cause concern”. The most recent test, an EEG was “abnormal”. He has made a diagnosis of “complex migraine disease”, and has started me on 100mg of Grabapentin, taken daily. (I will start it this evening.)
In the information I have found, all symptoms are preceded or followed by headaches (typically severe). I have very few headaches – if any – headaches, and NEVER have them been debilitating or intolerable.
My question is one more for clarification: With complex migraines, is a headache of some sort always involved, whether it is before, during, or after the other symptoms?
Thank you.
Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
**for nearly 3 years***
I suffer from migraine with aura and I’m struggling with the following issue:
Since it can be difficult to tell the difference between migraine and stroke, how do you know when to seek medical attention? Obviously I can not just go to the emergency room every time I have migraine symptoms.
I took my 19 yr old cousin to the hospital a couple days ago for severe headache loss of speech and ability to form thought, loss of vision, her face and hands and legs went numb and nausea. They diagnosed her with a complex migraine and gave her a cocktail of drugs and sent her home. This happened on Monday and it is now Wednesday and she still has a migraine, weakness and can’t stand for long because her legs get shaky. Can a complex migraine last this long
I was just released from the hospital yesterday after having been to the ER 4 times with the worst migraine I have ever had in my life. I went to 4 different hospitals trying to get someone to help me. Finally was admitted to one!! Thanksgiving day I was with family as usual and felt a headache creeping up, I knew it was a migraine but I havent had them in 10 years so only had ibuprofen available. But something was different of this one. I am 44 year old who thought she was having a stroke….the left side of my face was numb, my tongue, my left arm was tingly and when my mother spoke to me I could barely say anything. I knew what I was trying to say but nothing was coming out. I went to the ER (first 3 in 3 day) and told them I had a migraine so shots and sent home. Well on the 4th day of having the worst headache ever I decided to tell them the other symptoms BEFORE I told them I had a migraine. My MRI and CT scan are both clear, so I have been diagnosed with complex migraines. I received a cocktail of drugs which knocked me and most of the migraine out. It has been a week and I still have a residual headache that percocet and ibuprofen are handling. What scares me the most is ….how do we really know that this is not something that is leading up to a true stroke? Anyone else feel this way? I can honestly say I was terified
Hi Tracey, thank you for your questions, we have passed this along to one of our specialists for a possible comment. Thank you.
I am 49 and have had migraines for most of my life. They have changed as I have aged but have been complex/visual/complicated for over 20 years now. After a hysterectomy 3.5 years ago I was having bad hot spells- hours on end- and went on hormone therapy. I had the worst migraine ever. Every symptom. Almost completely blind vs. spots/zigzags/tunnel vision. Lasted for hours. It seemed like my vision was effected for over a year. i have seen an eye doctor who has done several tests and says “the cameras” are fine. It also now take days or weeks for things like struggling to find a word to go away when I have even a moderate migraine.
I stopped the hormones right after the attack 3 years ago.
Can having so many for so long and or a really bad one cause long term effects?
my wife is in the hospital right now. Can you have the “symptoms” before you have the headache? She had very strange feelings start in head to face to left arm, to chest and down to left leg….lasted for over 30- up to an hour. She kept having them with no headache for hours on and off…the headache came hours after the symptoms. She is not sensitive to light, or noise….just similar pain to a stress headache or muscular ones she has had in past. She has never had a migraine…
I have suffered from this my entire life. As a child in grade school, I had to go to classes whether I was in agony or not. My mother never had a headache and had no sympathy, though I was making it up. I remember the misery of trying to pay attention in class with my head pounding. I had various ways to describe the level of pain: pile driver, skull splitter, flaming vise grip being the most common. Being dizzy and seeing floaters glowing with bright halos was so normal I mentioned it only once to my mother, who dismissed it. I never even registered that the sensitivity to light and the ability to hear conversations taking place across the room was an anomaly. In other words, I have just had to live with it and still do. Aspirin and coffee are all I can do about it. I don’t have insurance. At one point, I caused myself a sever liver problem because I was using so much extra strength tylenol it became a toxin my body could not get rid of. That’s when I switched from Tylenol to plain old aspirin. I take four at a time usually twice a day to keep the pain at a minimum. I experience muscle aches in my back and shoulder because I hold myself weird in reaction to the pain, which generally affects my left side (temple and eye socket are the worst). Anyway, at least the dizziness and slurred speech followed by extreme exhaustion, which are new additions to the symptom list, are not from ‘small strokes’.
I suffered from migraines in my early 20′s but they decreased in frequency over the years. I’m now 54, and had two TIA events in the ER four months apart. My neurologist has diagnosed complex migraines since all of the MRIs and CAT scans showed no traces of blockages/clots in my head/neck. I lost the ability to speak briefly and was out of work for several weeks each time, have trouble driving, focusing – need another opinion in the MD area.
Thanks so much for this report. When the neurologist at Vanderbuilt Children’s Hospital indicated the the strange symptoms that my ten-year-old daughter has been experiencing for the past year was most likely “migraine with aura,” I felt more uneasiness than confort in the information I found online. This report is the first thorough explanation I have found, and it is very helpful. My daughter’s symptoms started around the same time that she began to bud breasts. Although she had headaches before then, she did not have the blacked out vision, numbness in the face and thighs, sleeping vomits until she began to enter into the early stages of puberty.
I have all the symptoms this doctor says plus convulsions when it’s a waking migraine. In 2005 when my migraines transitioned from a traditional light/sound/smell aura to weird neurological symptoms as well aura I also had a stroke, probably caused by my doctor prescribing birth control pills, Imitrex, and Zoloft at the same time (a potentially lethal cocktail). I’ve never been the same since, I feel like my brain was pureed by a blender. I’m sick of people looking at me like I’m playing hooky, like I’m malingering.
Hi I watched your video and I too have been suffering with complex migraines for three yrs now…. Maxalt mlt works for onset but not for long I’ve been avoiding foods that trigger them as we’ll but there back in full effect to where it’s affecting my job performance. There so paralyzing. Besides being very very tired new symptoms of chest and sharp neck pains can you please recommend a neurologist for me here in Baltimore md… Really appreciate it migraine sufferer
I have experienced migraines since childhood. I have tried everything from medications, hospitalization, and every other trick or suggestion I or anyone else comes across. After being hospitalized two years ago, after an episode that was thought to be an aneurysm, I was in worst shape after leaving the hospital. I found an acupuncturist, I visited three times a week for three weeks, I was that ill. I am happy to say that I experience less migraines then ever before. If I get a migraine, I go to my acupuncturist and it goes away. I have found that if I go at least once a month I can usually prevent them completely. I hope this helps, I know the pain and empathize with anyone who must live with this evil monster. Good luck.
How many days / hours can a complicated migraine last? I went in to ER this past Friday evening after experiencing 2 days of numbness on the right side of my face, blurry vision in right eye and tingling in my right arm. I do experience anxiety and thought this was it until I went out for my run and the symptoms escilated. They diagnosed me with complicated migraine. All tests came back normal from the day and a half of testing. I’m still experiencing the numbness in my face. I see a neurologist next week. I just want to know how many days/hours these migraines can last. I’m so thankful I found this link / site!
Thank you so much for this clear and thorough explanation. I was diagnosed with complex migraines several years ago, but have never had it well explain to me. I woke up with one this morning. Now I understand the condition. What a relief!
I am a 48 year old female that recently was diagnosed with Complicated migraines. For a number of years I have had issues with numbness in my hands, a slight headache and nausea / vomiting. What I considered the biggest issue was starting about 6 years ago, I would have these episodes of vomiting that was so severe I would suffer weight loss and it would take days to recover from the episodes. I had my gallbladder removed in 2007, no gall stones but the gallbladder was covered in adhesions. I contracted c-diff after the surgery that was not diagnosed immediately. I did feel better after the gallbladder was removed no more fullness in my right side, but I still had these episodes of vomiting and generally did not feel very well on most days, and over the course of a year I had 4 very unusual episodes where I would suddenly get very hot/sweaty, see this giant flash of light and then immediately be very ill, throwing up, slight headache, only alternative was to go to bed and sleep it off, at this point my GI doctor diagnosed me with CVS (cyclic vomiting syndrome), so he started me on Elavil. I tried the Elavil for about a year with no success, so he started me on Topomax (50mg) and that actually helped.
My GI Dr. then referred me to a neurologist to make sure he wasn’t missing anything. The neurologist didn’t really think it was CVS but maybe a migraine syndrome he said to up my Topomax to 100mg, a MRI and EEG were done. The MRI was fine that report was supplied to my family Doctor. I assume the EEG was fine but I never received any information on it. The neurologist said my B-12 levels were to low and put me on B-12 shots with my family Dr and said that should fix all of my problems that was in 2011. I had a follow up with him in April of 2012 at which time he told me that I had no reason to take the Topomax and that I had lost to much weight and that was about it come back in a year.
In May of 2012 I ended up in the hospital because I had stroke like symptoms, I lost the use of my left side, could not speak, felt disconnected from my body, I didn’t have a stroke and was released as having a TIA but it was suggested that it was most likely a complicated Migraine. I was completely off the Topomax as of July of 2012; my episodes are more frequent and more severe since I stopped the Topomax.
I recently saw a new neurologist (the one I saw in the hospital) and he diagnosed me with Complicated Migraines and prescribed Zanaflex it doesn’t seem to be helping much.
At this point I am pretty certain that the diagnosis of some type of Migraine syndrome is probably correct. Although I am very confused as to the difference between Complicated Migraines and CVS, my symptoms match both. At this point I’m thinking it may be helpful to see an additional Dr who specialized in Migraine syndromes including CVS and would be most grateful if you could suggest on in the Ohio area if at all possible.
Hello Theresa – So sorry to hear about your health struggles…however, we can’t offer medical advice or referrals on this social media platform. We do have excellent neurologists that could help you find answeres —on all three Mayo Clinic campuses – Rochester, MN., Scottsdale/Phoenix, AZ, and Jacksonville, FL. To request an appointment: Arizona: 800-446-2279 Florida: 904-953-0853 Minnesota: 507-538-3270 http://www.mayoclinic.org/. Best Regards, Dana
Thank for the reply. I have made an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic hopefully and hopefully they will either confirm my diagnosis or offer a new one. They are slightly closer to my home.
How long can a complicated migraine last?
Hi, As more and more researchers report that migraines beget migraines (the more you have the higher your risk for future attacks), I am surprised more people do not opt for prevention. As part of a preventive routine, the first choice should be a supplement our neurologist recommended for my daughter. Although I buy it online from the manufacturer, I’ve since seen it in CVS pharmacy. It is a natural dietary supplement caleld MigreLief and my neurologist stated the three ingredients are the best combo and grade he has found that work well with his patients. My daughter (teen) is back in school and playing sports again. She had comlex/complicated migraines that always landed her in the ER. The stories of migraine sufferers I see online are heartbreaking and everyone seems to be without hope. I wish more people would share this nutritional option. It really made a difference in my family. ~M. Oniel
Maggie: Would you mind sharing what type of migraine you daughter had? I have the electrical shock type migraine that goes thru my head and was wondering if the drug you are talking about that is available in the drug store might help me. I don’t think the neurologists can help me any more so I would be willing to try this.
I am 56 years. I have been on and off disability for 3 years. This last time foe a year. I have been diagnosed with Complexed migraines 11/2 years ago. I had stroke like symptoms left sided weakness, numbness on left side of face. I was missing too much work and lost my Job. I am on Topomax for the 2nd time. my question is how do people work? I have filed for federal disability.I have not been turned down yet. I would really rather work I just don”t have the energy. The Topomax is not working for the second time either.
Doctor: I have the type of migraines that feels like electric strikes going thru my head. I am presently taking Topiramate 25MG, about 5-6 times a day and they had been working, but now the strikes are starting to come back after about two years on the drug. Is this the last hurrah as far as treatment for my kind of migraine or is there another type of drug out there that can stop these lightening bolts from goin thru my head? I have a neurologist but it is a long wait to see him and the strikes are starting to reoccur. Do I have to live with these bolts going thru my head with no relief? Thank you. Jo
Thank you for your note. I am sorry to hear of the difficulties you are having with migraines. Unfortunately, we are able to diagnose or provide treatment options through this correspondence. If you’d like to schedule an appointment at Mayo Clinic to consult with one of our headache specialists then please contact Arizona: 480-301-1735 Florida: 904-953-0853 Minnesota: 507-284-2511.
I’ve been diagnosed with complex migraines and have been in/out of the hospital/emergency for the last year. Please let me there are any doctors in the Atlanta area specializing in complex migraines and/or meds that have proven to work for this. Thanks for your help.
I too was diagnosed with complex migraines over 3 years ago. I am now 40 years old and was just recently hospitalized at the University of Maryland. It is very interesting to hear all of the similar symptoms from everyone, especially the lightening bolts in the head and the left sideded weakness, numbness, tingling, slurred speech, etc. Topomax, exercise, well balanced diet and mirgraine calendaring has worked for the most part. But not always. My most recent attack struck without any warning at all. In fact, it was the most debilitating one. The ability to talk, memory difficulties, etc. lasted longer than all the others. My question is: since the tests rendered i.e. CT scan, echocardiogram, MRIs, etc. all remained within normal limits, will there be any long term effects with each complex migraine as time goes on? I have pretty much accepted the reality that preventative maintenance is the key according to the physicians. There is really nothing else out there for answers.
At first I thought I was having a stroke, but was discharged from hospital 3 days later with no firm diagnosis. TIA? / Complicated Migraine? Follow up with Neurologist was on the diagnosis line.
Here is what I have surmised thus far: 52 year old female presented at hospital with first time hemiplegic migraine with NO familial link indicating stroke symptoms AND a Basilar type impairing vision and hearing significantly, AND a Retinal Migraine affecting the right eye significantly. ALL OCCURRED AT THE SAME TIME.
About 11 days prior to actual hospitalization I awoke from a dead sleep to a feeling like someone had hit me in the head with a baseball bat at the base of my head. The headache never went away, (I’m not a complainer and carried on my regular routines) but symptoms of a stroke began and progressively became worse on day 11 when I was completely unable to function and went to an urgent care and eventually a hospital where they believed I was having a stroke.
Local neurologist is treating me as a migraine patient at this time offering ‘band-aids’ and very little information. 100 mg Topamax and little pain medication/if any due to my line of work (law enforcement – jail setting). NO STROKE EVIDENT ON ANY TESTS.
I need help. I live alone and have few friends to use as resources. Any help or direction will be heeded.
Thank you for reading.
I should also add that when discharged from the hospital, I was still extremely weak on the right side of my body, barely able to see with my glasses on, hardly able to comprehend, thick tongued with slurred speech, manual dexterity was slow – just like if I had had a stroke. It has been a month and a few days since the event, and I now have had a 7-9 headache depending on the time of day, mornings being worst, constant ringing in my ears HAD subsided, but since returned with the new headache. Manual dexterity is coming back slowly. (Opening a jar is a joke) Cognitive thinking to get from brain to hands to type or to speak is painfully slow to get back to ‘normal’. I can drive, but frequently get ‘lost’ in a town I’ve lived in for 35 years and forget where I put things constantly.
If this is normal for these types of migraines, then fine – someone just let me know. The neurologist here likes his patients mute, and I’m not mute. I’m an active patient in her treatment because I’ve got no one to help me at home.
Thanks again.
Cheryl
Thanks for contacting us, Cheryl. We’re sorry to hear that you’ve been suffering with these neurological problems. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any treatment recommendations or a second opinion through this form of communication. Here’s more information from our website http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/TAB=expertanswers. Also, if you are interested in scheduling a consultation with one of headache specialists, please contact the Appointment Office in Arizona, 800-446-2279; Florida, 904-953-0853; Minnesota, 507-538-3270.
Hi I was reading through the comments, I am 27 years old female and have been sufferring from migraines since I was a child. These last few years it has gotten worse and my neurologist have said my migraines are complicated. I do get vertigo, and had other symptoms, had a stroke workout done due to symptoms, however, I don’t know if its related but I got into a bad car accident in July and ever since my headaches had been severe. It might be progressively getting worse and nothing to do with the accident but I have been hospitalized for migraines, october, december, january, and for march I was admitted for about a week and 2 days the longest and also because that one came out of no where. Intense pain not progressive. and now april was there again for intractable migraine. I’m on several preventatives, zonizamide, nortryptline, diltiazam, and methergine to prevent migraines. Also had botox done early april. Any information or guidance would be useful, I’m tired of ending in the hospital or not being able to work or getting dizzy.