complacaited migraines

My question is I am 33 I have been having stroke like symptoms.Left sided numbness on face,and arm very weakness have started physical therpy on the left arm.They have done Cat scans with and without contrast,X rays,MRI's and nothing is showing up.I have a long family history of strokes.The nureo said they may be complaicated migraines.I was reading and my question is...Is TIA and comp. migraines the same thing?Oh yea and my speech is really bad during that time.I just need some answers before I go crazy I am scared to death.................April

[28yomigranesuff]

April,

Last week I had what was called a complex migrane (migraine) with similar symptoms, numbness on the right side, my right arm still feels a bit weaker, incoherent answers to questions and memory loss- all temporary.  I am still feeling a bit of pressure in my head but nothing severe. They treated me as if I had a stroke intially.

Im not a Dr but thought I would share this so you know your not the only one out there. I am going crazy myself but hope this is not a common occurence.

Best of luck.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

I understand that this is a hard time for you. With a strong family history of cerebrovascular disease, I feel that you need further evaluation.

I just need some clarifications:

For how long have you experienced these?

How often do you experience these? Do the symptoms come in attacks?

When did this start and could you elaborate on the events which surround it?

Are the symptoms always associated with a headache?

How long do these symptoms of weakness last?


I will be expecting your answers.

[angel_faith629]

I have had these off and on for years but the past 3 weeks its been like every other day.
yea they come in stabbing like pains in the headI have been in alot of stress i think that it is alot of the problem.Not always with a headache like today my tougne started going numb and no headache.they last about 3 hours

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Complicated migraines and transient ischemic attacks are sometimes used interchangeably although they are different medical entities. Complicated migraines also include unusual migraine presentations like hemiplegic migraines , basilar and opthalmic migraines. Transient ischemic attacks have a different pathophysiology and they fall under cerbrovascular disease which includes what we commonly term as a stroke.With TIA's however , the neurologic symptoms are mild and usually resolves in 24 hours .This makes it hard to differentiate from complicated migraines or a seizure disorder.

In the presence of neurologic symptoms like blurring of vision, slurring of speech, weakness, confusion and numbness one always has to rule out a stroke or a TIA first before a migraine is given as a diagnosis.

Were your coagulation factors assessed ( PT, aPTT)? Was a complete cardiac evaluation done including evaluation of carotid arteries ( blood vessels in the neck)?

[angel_faith629]

Yes they did all the test in the neck.Well they did and ultra sound of the neck if thats what you are talking about.What it PT and PTT?I will be able to tell more Thursday thats when I get my Mri results.I can also tell tomorrow if it is stress related cause God only knows the stress I am under right now.I hope and pray I don't have an attack.If I do this time I will not be going to the dr.I am tired of being poked and prodded.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

PT( prothrombin time ) and PTT( Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time ) are tests for your coagulation factors. Coagulation factors help your blood to  clot . If there is an underlying disorder in the clotting process, a person may either experience thrombotic events ( due to increased clotting) or prolonged bleeding ( due to decreased clotting ) .Other essential tests will be examining fibrinogen levels , Protein S and Protein C levels. These tests will help rule out hypercoagulable states which may predispose a person to frequent "strokelike" events.

Have you had these tests? I suggest you discuss them with your physician on your next consult. Just stay positive and do not let your condition overcome you. Maintain an open line of communication with your health providers.Things will fall into place with the right attitude.

[Sonaya]

Hi,

For me personally I have always been told TIAs are completely seperate to any form of migraines, although they do have very similar symptoms a TIA is completely different.

[angel_faith629]

Hey I got my MRI results and they said I have Complacatied Migraines and put me on all kids of meds....YUCK....but if that what it takes I will take them.Thanks yall so much for the advise.