Can migraines alone cause classic MS symptoms?

[angeline59]

I've got classic MS symptoms (parasthesia, proximal pain, allodynia, generalized weakness on the right side, cognitive issues and lesions in cortical and subcortical white matter. I've also got severe migraines progressing over 20 years). Neuro thinks that because the lesions aren't in the normal finger-like pattern, the cervical spine MRI is clear and I refuse an LP, all of my MS sx are caused by the migraines. He also said not to continue to 'educate myself' on the internet, which is exactly why I'm here. I have learned that complicated migraines can cause parasthesia in the arms/hands, but can't find any info about migraines causing all-over symptoms. Help!! Thanks!

[noops01]

Hi,

It is difficult to solve this problem over the internet. Did you have MRI with or without contrast?
There is a possibility that you are suiffering from atypical migraine which is causing your symptoms. I would strongly suggest you to seek a second opinion.

[LifesAHeadache]

I would suggest getting another neurologist.  Any doctor that "wants" you to stay as uneducated as possible for his convenience is not a good doctor.  I'm sorry but you have the right and the responsibility to be in charge of your own body.  This is just my personal opinion but medicine is advancing all of the time and a doctor who is not open to taking the patients thoughts into consideration will not be making the most informed opinion.  After all, you know your body better than anyone else.  You have had a lifetime to study it, he has had 15 minutes.  Of course, he is to be respected and if you continue to go to him then you should follow his instructions.  I rather go to a physician who uses his medical education,experience, and my input before deciding a treatment plan.  I have a good neurologist and would not trade him for the world.  Good Luck.

[Butterfield88]

Hello everyone I am a new member.    I have suffered with migraine with aura since I was 23.   For a few years in between i only had aura.   I have minimal pain now but aura.   January 2007 I was admitted into hospital with what appeared to be a stroke.   I had two or three more while I was there and admitted to intensive care.    The MRI's brain scans didn't show stroke.  However I was unconscious for long periods of time.    The neurologist on my case couldn't figure out what was wrong.  However one day he came in the room and said I wonder if you have that very rare migraine which is associatred with a hole in the heart.  "Hemiplegic migraine".     They performed a TE test.  That is a camera going down one's throat into the heart chambers.  They found I do have a hole in my heart which of course is congenital.      Over the 40 or more years I never knew.     They are still not sure if that is what is wrong or I if had a TIA.     Aparently a TIA won't show damage when they do an MRI etc.  I am not sure of that.     In 2006 (before my stroke-like incident) I was getting two or three auras a day.   I had been doing very concentrated work on my computer.   I am a workaholic.     Now I am very cautious about how long I work on the computer.   I only get one or two amonth now.   nagging headache and vertigo though all the time.     I occaisionally get a weak arm like I am going into that state I was in Jan 2007.  Scary.   Last week the neurologist did a carotoid artery test to see what was going on again.  It came out normal.   He wanted to add Plavix to my asprin therapy.   I said no.  So I am on my asprin.  He says now he is not sure if it is the migraine or a TIA.   This not knowing is awful.    I guess if one goes in to see them with a finger hanging off they can say "you have a finger hanging off"  but things that are more complex ........well!!!  They don't know I am afraid.   They do close the hole in the heart - however there are many schools of thought as to whether that is a good idea.    There is research done at Oxford England.   In the states too for hole in the heart migraine.   The doctor I have doesn't think one should do it.    I am going do some more research.    ANYONE OUT THERE HAVE INFORMATION?

[jason80]

I am in a similar boat with MS symptoms and no firm diagnosis. I've had one Dr. speculate that it is all due to a persistent migraine. I find it hard to believe, but would love to know if others believe this diagnosis and if so what meds might have succeeded in reducing symptoms.

[Butterfield88]

What is MS?

[lise38]

ms is multiple sclerosis,

[Butterfield88]

I thought so.  i am puzzled -  what does that have to do with migraine?

[jason80]

Hi Angeline,
I was wondering if you have any more info/update to your Dr's hypothesis that all of your painful symptoms may be due to a chronic migraine. At the moment, headaches are not really the issue for me, but I did have a chronic headache a couple years ago. You can view my symptoms to compare.

So far, I've only had one dx stating it could all be due to chronic migraine, the rest are generally "don't know" . Keep us posted.
Jason