Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Chronic Headache

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Headache


My wife was diagnosed with the antiphospholipid antibody 7 years ago after a few miscarriages. She is 33 and except for a small hiatal hernia is in good health.

Two months ago, she began frequent having severe headaches, frequent chest pain described as chest pressure and difficulty breathing. One month ago she began feeling numbness in her right arm and right cheek, including one episode of slurred speech.

An MRI showed no stroke, but did indicate "white matter" irregularities. Her doctor put her on high doses of aspirin for 4 days, which did not clear up the symptoms, and the prophylactic he prescribed a week ago has not given her relief yet either.

Prior to the onset of these headaches, we have had no life changes or increased stress levels, but she has become almost suicidal because of her pain in the last two weeks. A psychiatrist has put her on antidepressants because of her panic... still no relief.

My question. Which direction should I be heading? A neuro solution for the headaches and other symptoms, or could this all be driven by some other panic or personality disorder.

=
Thanks for your question. Because of her diagnosis of antiphospholipid
syndrome, your wife is much more succeptible to the development of blood
clots. It is quite important to know the quantity and the location of those
"white matter irregularities" mentioned in her MRI-brain, because they could
potentially explain some of her symptoms. Aspirin was likely given by her
physician as an attempt to prevent further vascular lesion, and not to
resolve the existant ones. Her neurological symptoms (sensory alterations,
slurred speech) are certainly of concern. If you are considering a second
opinion, I would suggest a visit to a neurologist, preferably specialized in
cerebro-vascular disease.

If you live in the Cleveland area, the Department of Neurology at the Cleveland
Clinic has a group of neurologists specialized in cerebro-vascular diseases
(Drs. Furlan and Sila).

If you wish an appointment at the Department of Neurology at the Cleveland
Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE, or 1-216-444-5559.

I hope this information is helpful.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.

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