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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Re: BASILAR MIGRAINE MIMICING SPINAL SYMPTOMS?
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Re: BASILAR MIGRAINE MIMICING SPINAL SYMPTOMS?
by CF-neuro-MD-, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By CCF neuro MD on November 14, 1998 at 16:14:52:
In Reply to: BASILAR MIGRAINE MIMICING SPINAL SYMPTOMS? posted by molly on November 12, 1998 at 14:09:00:
Dear Drs.
I am a 36 year old with female with multiple complications. Neurogenic bladder since '95, first no contractions at all and no feeling of fullness and most recently showing sphincter dysinergia on urodynamics. Have had MRI's of complete spine and head,one part a year, from '94 to '97. First neurologic episode was awaking with left side numbness, weakness, and heaviness of extremities in 1993. Lasted 3-4 days. unexplained.
Next several months later, pain in neck and lower back with shooting electrical feeling over my body when I moved at times. Was told it was pinched nerves in both places. Had no injury to explain this. In '95 I started having attacks several times a month of leftside paralysis, head flopping over, drooling, somtimes unable to respond at all for 30 minutes to several hours. These were explained as basilar migraines and was given steriods to take at onset.
In 1995 my bladder went into complete retention. I self cath 7-8 times a day. I was told the muscles were overstretched and would not function again. One URO said it could be "early sign of MS"
meanwhile the migraines evolved into seizures involing twitching beginning on left side of mouth and radiating to include left arm flailing, uncontrollable movements, head and neck doing the same and contortions of the face. these normally last 10-30 minutes. Ativan is used to try and slow them. This was diagnosed as migraine epilepsy syndrome. I get an aura normally but somtimes no headache at all.
This happens about four times a month. I was diagnosed last month with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome because of extreme pain at base of neck and shoulder, clavical area, numbness and tingling in hands, especially when arms are eleveted and general weakness of arms. I have been told it is due to postural problems but it comes for a month or so and then can dissapearalmost completely for longer than that. Surgery is NOT being discussed for treatment, only PT.
Sunday morning this week I awoke with numb legs. Heaviness,coldness and feeling of something crawling under my skin at times. Lower back aches slightly.
It has gotten slightly better over the last few days and now I am only feeling in my feet and ankles. I saw a neuro yesterday who told me that because I had sensory perception on my legs of pin ***** and coldness that it was NOT spinal involvment but merely a basilar migraine again. I asked why a lumbar puncture has never been ordered and was told it is only orderes to establish if MRI is needed. Since we have done the MRI's over the past five years, he says a LP is not warranted.
Please help me understand this. I go back to the Uro tomorrow for cystoscopy and exam. I am hoping for a referal from my PCP to a good Neuro Clinic. I am in MASS.
Thank You very much.
Molly
This is a complex history with multiple facets, could you possibly give a
short list of specific questions or concerns which we can address for you ?
In Reply to: BASILAR MIGRAINE MIMICING SPINAL SYMPTOMS? posted by molly on November 12, 1998 at 14:09:00:
Dear Drs.
I am a 36 year old with female with multiple complications. Neurogenic bladder since '95, first no contractions at all and no feeling of fullness and most recently showing sphincter dysinergia on urodynamics. Have had MRI's of complete spine and head,one part a year, from '94 to '97. First neurologic episode was awaking with left side numbness, weakness, and heaviness of extremities in 1993. Lasted 3-4 days. unexplained.
Next several months later, pain in neck and lower back with shooting electrical feeling over my body when I moved at times. Was told it was pinched nerves in both places. Had no injury to explain this. In '95 I started having attacks several times a month of leftside paralysis, head flopping over, drooling, somtimes unable to respond at all for 30 minutes to several hours. These were explained as basilar migraines and was given steriods to take at onset.
In 1995 my bladder went into complete retention. I self cath 7-8 times a day. I was told the muscles were overstretched and would not function again. One URO said it could be "early sign of MS"
meanwhile the migraines evolved into seizures involing twitching beginning on left side of mouth and radiating to include left arm flailing, uncontrollable movements, head and neck doing the same and contortions of the face. these normally last 10-30 minutes. Ativan is used to try and slow them. This was diagnosed as migraine epilepsy syndrome. I get an aura normally but somtimes no headache at all.
This happens about four times a month. I was diagnosed last month with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome because of extreme pain at base of neck and shoulder, clavical area, numbness and tingling in hands, especially when arms are eleveted and general weakness of arms. I have been told it is due to postural problems but it comes for a month or so and then can dissapearalmost completely for longer than that. Surgery is NOT being discussed for treatment, only PT.
Sunday morning this week I awoke with numb legs. Heaviness,coldness and feeling of something crawling under my skin at times. Lower back aches slightly.
It has gotten slightly better over the last few days and now I am only feeling in my feet and ankles. I saw a neuro yesterday who told me that because I had sensory perception on my legs of pin ***** and coldness that it was NOT spinal involvment but merely a basilar migraine again. I asked why a lumbar puncture has never been ordered and was told it is only orderes to establish if MRI is needed. Since we have done the MRI's over the past five years, he says a LP is not warranted.
Please help me understand this. I go back to the Uro tomorrow for cystoscopy and exam. I am hoping for a referal from my PCP to a good Neuro Clinic. I am in MASS.
Thank You very much.
Molly
This is a complex history with multiple facets, could you possibly give a
short list of specific questions or concerns which we can address for you ?
