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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Atypical Migraine?
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Atypical Migraine?
by Elen-Gloden, Dec 29, 1998 12:00AM
I'm 30 and for the last two years or so I've been suffering from chronic headaches.
In addition, I've been getting tingling sensations in my hands and feet and occasionally in the left side of my face. It usually get worse
about a week to 10 days before my period starts. I also experience dizziness, nausea and a general fatigue.
I've always been prone to headaches, but it's just so ongoing that it't getting frightening. I've been given esgic-plus for tension headaches in the past and that worked for a while, but the tingling sensations still persist (usually while I'm sleeping--I'll wake up with my fingers and toes tingling).
A doctor last year suggested atypical migraine, but we never followed through with any sort of tests, etc. I had a CAT scan 3 years ago which was normal, some neurological testing (light in the eyes, balance, coordinaion, etc.--all normal), blood tests (normal). Aside from this, I'm overall in good health.
Is this a common problem? Any suggestions
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Thanks for your question. Migrainous headaches are indeed quite often
associated with the peri-menstrual period, since estrogen level fluctuations
seem to be one the triggering factors. In addition, sensation of nausea/
vomit, vertigo are fairly common associated symptoms. Migraines can be
preceded by auras (most often visual ones - flashes of light, "bright
jagged lines", etc.) Focal neurological impairments (numbness, tingling,
pins-and-needle, focal motor weakness) can be present, but are definitely
much less common than those other symptoms mentioned above. There are not
any specific tests for migraine, since it is very much a clinical diagnosis.
Given the persistance of your sensory symptoms, you might discuss with your
physician the possibility of a sensory peipheral neuropathy (lesion to the
actual nerve fibers).
I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.
