STROKE DURING MIGRAINE?

  Any information you have would be useful.  Last year, Jan, 1997, I had a terrific pain to the head unlike any migraine I had ever suffered.  My MRI had "white" indications on it which was thought to be "something" until the HMO people looked at it and said "No".  My doctor later, much later, said that I had suffered a stroke during a migraine.  My left side of my face, neck, arm, and leg and still numb (the skin only).  I have full use of my arm, hand, and leg.  I have a lot of dizziness, even if I am sitting down.  It feels like everything is spinning around me.  I also can not balance myself on one foot.  Did anyone ever hear of a stroke during a migraine?  Is this really a stroke?  I also have had a constant headache since Jan. 1997.  Please help.
Dear Gloria,
Yes, although infrequent, stroke can occur with migraine headaches. The etiology is presumed to be ischemic secondary to spasm of the blood vessels.  I would recommend ruling out a large vessel/vascular etiology for the stroke by checking and MRA or transcranial doppler of the brain. The symptoms that you describe are referable to the posterior circulation of the head (but deeper structures such as brainstem or cerebellum). Taking an aspirin a day may be helpful if not contraindicated.  With regerd to the headaches a prophalactic medication such as calcium channel blockers or tricyclic may help with the daily headache.  Discuss these options/medications with your doctor. If you are interested in getting an evaluation at CCF call 1-800-CCF-CARE. Good Luck.