Increased frequency of Migraine with Aura

[lisad235]

I am a 46 year old women who was diagnosed with "Classic Migraine" in my early twenties.  My mother, Aunt and Grandmother all had these types of migraines.  Over the years, I have only had 1-2 migraines with preceded by aura.  My last one happened 2 years ago.  The headaches are not severe and the aura usually lasts only 20 minutes before onset of the headache.  Now, within the past week, I have had 5 headaches preceded by aura. 3 out of 5 times the headache pain is happening on the right side in the front, including the uper part of my face (like a sinus headache).  The other times, the same pain has been on the left side.  The headach is always mild and usually lasts only a couple of hours.  My concern is with the frequency.  I am premenopausal, take 1 mg of lorazapam per day, and have recently been taking Advil PM.  Could you please tell me what could be causing this increased frequency?  Should I be concerned about a brain tumor or stroke?

[Lele1977]

I am 32 years old and have recently undergone thyroid ablation after being diagnosed with Grave's disease.  Approximately 8 weeks after the thyroid ablation I started on Synthroid as the ablation had made me change to hypothyroid.  In the time where I "started to change to hypothyroid" I started getting massive migraines with aura.  The endocrinologist said there is no link but I find that hard to believe.  I have had migraines with aura before but a max of 2 - 3/year.  Since the beginning of August I have been the max of 4 days without an attack.  I went back to the internal doctor that found my Grave's disease and that is when he diagnosed me with classic migraine.  He felt that the endo was right in that there should not be a link to the Synthroid or hypothyroidism and migraines.  He started me on Imitrex 50mg.  He also ordered an MRI to be on the safe side and I had that performed yesterday and am still awaiting the results.  I feel that I am losing my mind and that no one believes that I have a problem.  What can be the possible cause of these massive attacks?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

The fact that you are perimenopausal explains the increased frequency of migraine attacks in your case. The hormones are once again to blame for this increased frequency.
A recent study has shown that peripmenopausal women treated with vitamin D and calcium have reduced frequency of migraine attacks, but this study was too small to provide any conclusive findings. You can however discuss this with your treating doctor.
You need not worry on account of stroke or brain tumor as they do not seem likely as of now, although a clinical exam will not hurt.

Thanks