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.
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.
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!
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 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
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 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. 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.
1
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
Excellent publish, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector do not notice this. You must proceed your writing. I’m sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!|What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & help other customers like its aided me. Good job.
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
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.
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.