SOB, Migraines

[torozco]

I'm a 26 year old female.

In Aug. 06 I developed a migraine that lasted 18 days. Went to dr. who prescribed Midrin and sent me home. This was my 1st migraine ever. Told heart was beating too fast, but that was not addressed any further.

Another visit 2 days later because I wasn't getting relief. Prescribed Vicodin and sent home.

2 days later went to ER because still no better. CT scan (head) was normal. Prescribed Inderal, given a couple of doses of morphine to relieve the edge and sent home. Have taken Inderal since 8/30.

Recently I have been experiencing hot flash type situations where I'll be burning up while everyone else is freezing, dizziness and lightheadedness at least 2-3 times per day (sometimes with "hot flash", sometimes without), and during even mild exertion have experienced what feels like extreme shortness of breath. Last night after walking up my driveway (short distance) it took me nearly 45 minutes to catch my breath.  Several times a day I feel as if even heavy breaths are not satisfying my body's need for oxygen.

Has anybody else experienced this type of situation and if so, what did you find out was wrong?

[Jane1]

I have suffered from Migraines since childhood, and have in recent years discovered the main trigger ( Coffee) So thankfully I haven't had a bad attack since I gave it up, even the smell of coffee revolts me now.  But my Migraines did worsen to the point of loss of feeling in limbs and SOB -  I had to call an ambulance once and they thought they were treating me for Asthma when it was migraine.  It was scary but although after many diagnostics it was discovered that I also had an underlying disorder that caused my SOB, the panic from the scary migraines also made me breathless, like a really bad panic attack.  You should look into seeing a migraine specialist, but also get a chest X Ray and PFT to see if there is any underlying cause of your breathlessness. I can associate with the breathlessness you feel, A migraine no matter what age it hits you first can be full of weird symptoms.  I once had one for 6 weeks. But Migraine itself can be a symptom of something else, let your doctor know about the SOB.

Regards
Jane

[RockRose]

Toro,  you're not getting enough help from your doctor.  Just painkillers at this point are not enough - you need more help.

It sounds like you need an endocrinologist or a  neurologist to help you - this is a LOT of pain to be going through at your age,  and it needs to be addressed better than your doc has.

[PlateletGal]

I agree with RockRose

[shoshr]

You need to see a migraine specialist - not a regular neurologist who also treats migraine, but someone who really specializes in migraine. I suffer from very very severe migraine and have seen far too many drs who think they know how to treat migraine but in reality will just put you on more and more medications to treat the pain or try and prevent it. Depending on what area of the country you are in, there are a few (very few) excellent migraine clinics, and some excellent drs, but get some recommendations before you visit one otherwise it can be a depressing journey! I personally know of an excellent one in Ann Arbor, MI, also one in Chicago, one in Bronx, NY and one in Stamford, CT. If you're anywhere near any of those places, let me know, otherwise, good luck!!