Confused about TIAs and Vascular Migraine Spasms

[kristinMC]

I have been told that that I am having mini-strokes without MRI confirmation.  I have a history of hemipelgic and basilar migraines with aura that last for months two or three a day that end with loss of function from mini-stroke(s).  I have had the associated hemipelgia, blood clots in eyes and loss of peripheral vision/depth perception as well as moderate/severe dementia in 2004 that waxes and wanes (and gets worse with each migraine.TIA episode).  It seems that every couple of years the basal artery acts up and reeks havoc on my body. My question is how can the doctors establish whether or not these are mini-strokes from the migraines or basal artery insufficiency causing the migraines.  The doctors have stated over and over that it is basal artery insufficeincy but I am unsure of how they can assume this without MRI confirmation.  Also, from my research the migraines could cause TIAs.  I would like to find a way to stop this as it has destroyed most of my life.  My doctors seem to think treatment is a lost cause aside from giving me aspirin and migraine medicine.  Are there any other treatments for this type of problem?

I have recently been diagnosed with Lupus CNS.  Does this have anything to do with migraines?  

I appreciate any advice given for possibilites on how to handle this situation.  Thank you - Kristin