migraines and left side pain

my wife is 45 yrs. old, she had a stroke on the left side of her brain 8 yrs. ago, but her pain from that is on her left side, not her right, also has migraines min 2 times per week since then. recently in the last week she has had migraine and left side pain to the extreme. went to her doctor yesterday (primary care) and they said she was having spasm or tremors. she takes vicodin for the last 8 yrs. for the pain. they gave her butalbital/apap/caffeine but it is not working. she said her teeth even hurt with this one. she has been suffering from this since monday 07/26/10
cant see her neu doctor untill monday. my question is could this be some type of infection?....and not related to her stroke?....or maybe some type of nerve problem?......thanks

[LivingInHope]

If you haven't already, please take your wife to the emergency room so they can do a scan of her brain and try to abort the headache!  It would be great if they would order an MRA/MRV of her head, which looks at the blood vessels without the radiation of a CT scan.  If she was having spasms or tremors, you may want to ask about an EEG as well.  Please tell them how long the headache has been going on and that this is different than her usual headache (if it is).

You might also want to consider whether she might be getting rebound headaches from the vicodin usage.  Has her neurologist not tried any preventatives for these headaches?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How is your wife? I agree with Surgimenopause that latest imaging modality such as MRI of the head should be done to help determine the underlying cause. Stroke with proper therapy and medications often improve through the years. It would also help to check with her dentist to rule out oral/teeth issues as well. If the new medicine is not working, inform her attending physician for proper management. A change in medication or dose may be indicated. Take care and do keep us posted.