Headaches with Limb Pain

[Jill72]

I was diagnosed with migraine when I hit puberty, and when I was in college I started having pain in my neck (on the right side), my right wrist and my right ankle  - which commenced soon after theemigraine, and then the pain became worse then the migraine. The pain extended up my calf and up my forearm, but did not pass my elbow of knee. My migraines are also on my right side of my head only. The pain is not helped by Imitrex or Zomig (the migraine goes away usually, but the limp pain persists), but is helped somewhat by Valium or Darvocet (though I only take these a few times  a year since I have small children). Lately my headaches and associated limp aches have increased in frequency, up to several times per week. The only relief I have fro the limb pain is someone squeezing the area very hard - as if they are trying to break my arm or leg. As soon as they release, the pain comes back.

I have seen a headache specialist who said this is part of an aura - but I can find no info on this type of aura. Also, I am more fearful of this relating to a neck injury, or to some disease nobody has mentioned yet. I just don't want to overlook anything. Any ideas, or has anyone heard of this or know of any literature or physicians who have studied this? Thanks.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Given that you have been completely assessed by your physician, the auras of your migraine are not very typical. Migraine with auras usually present with visual symptoms , slurring of speech, tingling sensation or numbness. It is important to note that weakness of any extremity should always warrant further evaluation as other conditions like a TIA or stroke need to be ruled out.

In your case, I suggest you get a cervcal spine CT scan done  to rule out  nerve impingement . Have you had a cranial CT scan done already?  I suggest you get a baseline scan done. Cardiac evaluation including a 2dECHO, duplex scans of peripheral vessels and tests for coagulation factor levels may help. An EMG of the extremities will also help rule out any underlying neuropathy.

You may discuss these with your physician. Only when a  complete assessment has been done is migraine given as a diagnosis.

[Jill72]

Thanks so much for your quick response!

Any associated event or activity surrounding the onset of the limb pains?
no just the onset of the headache/neck pain. sometimes it's hard to distinguish which comes first.

Have you injured yourself?
i was in a car accident 13 yrs ago with lots of soft-tissue pain in my neck, on the right side (but supposedly no other damage to my neck, only verified by x-ray). this event occurred after i had already started having the limb pain with my headaches/migrain s.

Were the limb pains always associated with headaches?
yes.

Are the limb pains always on the right side?
yes.

Do the pains involve the joints ( neck,knees, elbows , shoulders wrist and digits)?
not usually my knees and elbows. wrists, ankles, lower limbs, neck.

Is there associated swelling or redness in the extremities?
no.

Any numbness, weakness or tingling sensation?
weakness, some. numbness, tingling, sort of. you  know when your foot or leg falls asleep, and then comes back to life as the circulation is restored? they feel like that - kinda weird, but also with lots of pain on top of the weird feeling. kinda heavy, thick.

Any family history of heart disease or stroke?
stroke, no. heart disease, high bp, heart attacks, yes - very strong on my mother's side.

thanks again.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

I just have a few questions :

Any associated event or activity surrounding the onset of the limb pains?

Have you injured yourself?

Were the limb pains always associated with headaches?

Are the limb pains always on the right side?

Do the pains involve the joints ( neck,knees, elbows , shoulders wrist and digits)?

Is there associated swelling or redness in the extremities?

Any numbness, weakness or tingling sensation?

Any family history of heart disease or stroke?

Do keep us posted. I will be waiting for your answers.