Imitrex and BAM

    
      Re: Imitrex and BAM
    


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum ] [ FAQ ]



Posted by CCF Neurology MD on February 04, 1998 at 13:09:30:

In Reply to: Imitrex and BAM posted by Jared Kline on February 03, 1998 at 16:04:55:
  What are the physiological and psychological symptoms of basilar artery migraine?
  Is Imitrex effective for BAM? Thank you for your time!
Dear Jared,
Basilar artery migraines affect men and women in all age ranges.  Syptoms (symptoms) consists of any of the following, usually in combination: visual changes (flashing lights, loss of part of visual field, total visual loss) usually affecting both eyes, sensation of spinning, incoordination of arms/legs, difficulty walking "Like Drunk", difficulty talking (slurred), and tingling "pins and needles" of hand and feet.  There may also be some confusion. If very severe, a person may not be able to move arms or legs.  Thses symptoms may last 10-30 minutes and are followed by a headache in the back of head. The headache typically last several hours.  One rare but serious complication of this syndrome is that the symptoms may be permanent rather than go away; this is called a "complicated migraine " and results in a "stroke". If you are having these headaches regularly (greater than 1-2 times a month) you should be placed on a "prophalactic medication" . There are several classes of medications available including calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil) and beta blockers (propranalol). Imitrex is NOT routinely used to treat basilar migraines. Also, it would probably be wise to take an aspirin a day, this may help reduce the risk of a "complicated migraine".  If you have not already, I would suggest getting a neurological evaluation and discuss medications options with your doctor.