Migraine Sufferer with Something New

[leilanirl]

Hello.  I have been diagnosed with common migraines (so far) in July 2008.  

I just weaned myself off the Lexapro (5mg) which was prescribed by my neuro.  I thought that it was responsible for giving me daily tension headaches that I never had prior to July 2008.  Since I have been off, I have only experienced my "regular" migraines.  I take Midrin to abort my migraines.  It usually takes about 4 pills for the pain to go away.  Caffeine also helps with my headaches and migraines.

Since I have weaned myself off the Lexapro (which was about four days ago), I have noticed a tender lump about the size of a small pea, anterior to my left ear.  It feels like it rests where the maxilla and mandible meet, near the zygomatic arch.  When I open and close my jaw, I don't feel the lump.  But when I get a migraine, the throbbing blood vessel next to it moves the lump and my temple is VERY sensitive.  I don't have this lump on my right side.  I should note that my migraines begin on the left side of my head and only the severe ones make it to the right side.  I've also had bouts of vertigo and dizziness since 2004, and ringing in my left ear since late 2007.  

I've looked up temporal arteritis and the symptoms were almost similar to mine:
- I have a constant temp of 99F and I'm always cold
- Tender scalp and pain in the back of my head
- blurred vision even after a recent eye doctor visit and brand new contacts  
- persistent tenderness in the temple region
- headaches

I cried because arteritis sounds scary.  I have a neuro appointment tomorrow morning, but I'd like to see if anyone has something similar to what I have.  Any response is wonderful.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
It is difficult to tell without examination as to what exactly the lump is. Since you have fever this lump could be an enlarged lymph node. Lymph nodes enlarge in response to infections.
Temporal arteritis is an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels in which there is hardening of the arteries. The arteries are hard but without pulsation. This possibility cannot be ruled out but can be confirmed by a biopsy.
TMJ can also cause pain and tenderness in the head and temple region. It will be worth while to get a thorough clinical exam done. Take care!

[leilanirl]

Thanks for your response.  I just got back from the doctor and it is an enlarged lymph node.  Whew.

As far as my migraines are concerned, my neuro put me on Topamax.  I will start with 25mg for the first week, then add another 25mg the next week to gradually get to 100mg total per day by the fourth week.  Does that make sense?  To abort the migraines, I am to use 2 Aleve.  Interesting.  

My doctor was also grateful that I have been keeping a DETAILED migraine/life diary.  He was able to tell what my mood was along with what I was eating.  We have determined that my triggers are excessive amounts of cheese at a time (i.e. cheese soup), stress/happiness, loud sounds, and the cold.

I will let you know what happens.  

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing back.
Good to know that it was an enlarged lymph node.
Yes that’s how Topamax is prescribed, starting dose 25 mg which is gradually titrated upto 100 mg. However please remember the best way to control migraines is by avoidance of trigger which you have already identified.
Magnesium supplements also have been found to be very useful in preventing migraine attacks. You may want to think about them.
Good luck and take care!

[leilanirl]

Thank you for your support.  I will reccommend this site to others that I met and I will keep logging in to help others like me.