Migraine, allergies, what?

[maryjoyce]

I was diagnosed with "silent migraine" twenty years ago by a neurologist, who told me to have periodic checkups as this could resurface down the road with worse symptoms.  At the time, my only symptom was an aura, almost daily, that was manifested as a stream of circular bright lights coming from the corners of both my eyes.  An eye doctor ruled out detached retina.  We have since moved away and I have recently seen a new neurologist because of constant head pressure and dizziness,   I also have ear pain and saw an ENT after a three month bout with sinusitis this past winter.  I had an MRI which came up normal, and balance testing: a VNG and the Baer test and a hearing test.  All normal.  This all started with two episodes of vertigo upon awakening in the morning that lasted for about 30 seconds but left a residual dizziness. The doctor said this was benign positonal vertigo but the Epley did not work.  I have had allergy testing which came up positive for dust, fall pollen and cats. The allergist says that I have eustachian tube dysfunction and has seen my eardrum retracted.  The antihistamines and decongestants do not work, though.  The ENT doesn't agrree with the allergist.  I am confused and  I am really getting no clear answers on what this is.  After the sinus infection cleared, my pressure and dizziness went away and I felt better than I had in a long time.  This dizziness and pressure had been going on for two years.  I also experience car sickness when the head pressure is there and I end up feeling very dizzy when smelling cologne.  This week the symptoms have returned  after spending a few hours outdoors.  The trees and bushes are just starting to bud.  Is it possible that the skin test for allergy was faulty in picking up spring pollen sensitivity?   ...or does this sound more like vertigo migraine? If this is migraine, the aura I am experiencing doesn't seem to fit the descriptions I have read online.  This is affecting my quality of life because my head feels so heavy and my balance if off.  Any insight would be appreciated.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you today? It is great to hear that the urine tests were fine. It is indeed really confusing  to have different opinions regarding your health. If you have any doubts or queries, talk to your doctor about it. This will also help clear any anxiety and stress. Ask about the management plan and involve yourself in this. This will not only make yourself somewhat in control. Have a regular follow-up for monitoring and proper management. Take care and do keep us posted.

[maryjoyce]

Thank you for your concern in asking about my tests.  I looked at your profile and I am so sorry about your condition.  I have a friend myself whose son had surgery a year ago for Chiari Malformation.  His symptoms were totally different from mine.  I do not have head pain at all.  I have been experiencing pressure or tightness on the top of my head and forehead.  Always relief with the change of the seasons.  The main reason for the MRI was to detect an acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor of the inner ear.  Hope all is well with you and thank you again.

[maryjoyce]

Thank you for your reply.  I do appreciate it.  I had an MRI without contrast; I opted out because blood tests in the previous year showed a higher than normal creatine content.  I had a 24 hour collection of the urine done and that came up normal.  Even so I decided to go on the side of caution and my doctor complied.  Now I have well meaning friends telling me that something may have been missed.  But my doctor reassures me that all the tests combined show no problem with acoustic neuroma and such.  I was feeling OK that there are no major problems that have shown up just frustration with coordiating the opinions of two doctors.  The radiologist assured me that an MRI without contrast is sufficient to pick up this type of problem, also.  

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? I'm sorry to hear what you have been through for the past three months. It is god that the MRI and balance tests were normal. Allergy tests are pretty accurate in picking up the triggers. Migraine, sinus infection and allergies need avoidance of the triggers to prevent recurrences. The importance of  trigger determination is stressed. However, if the medications do not work, do inform your doctor for a stronger prescription medication. If not, complementary and alternative medicine has been effective to some headache sufferers. Biofeedback therapy, self-hypnosis and other relaxation techniques may help. Take care and do keep us posted.

[selmaS]

Hi was ur MRI of ur Brain w/wo contrast and did they also do ur cervical spine...do u have copies of the reports and the MRI's them self?...if so, ask for a second opinion.

Good luck
"selma"