Neurologist Required?

[Minnie Mouse]

About 4 years ago I fainted in my home for no apparent reason. A year later I was admitted to emergency in the middle of the night for a drasticly severe headache that felt like liquid was seeping into my brain, but sent home with a diagnosis "migraine".  For 2 weeks after, I was very nauseous, dizzy and needing to nap throughout most of the day, astounded that a migraine could cause such after effects.  Since then I have had migraines lasting 24 hours which render me useless. This past month I have experienced several times, dizziness, near fainting, sensory slowdown, nausea, unsteadiness and a sense of being in slow motion when getting up as well as sitting.  This results in a feeling of a small weight in my head that can last for 24 hrs. I'm in Australia, and the GP must recommend a neurologist.  Should I insist on this or are these simply migraine symptoms?  Thank you!

[De-De]

I guess I'm just like any other American Mom (husband, 2 kids, job outside the home) with all the stresses that come along with this life style.  Just like any chronic illness, I have good days and bad days.  Unfortunately, my family has suffered along with me.  But, isn't that what family is all about?  To help myself out, I've had to cut back my work hours, joined a carpool (since sometimes driving is impossible)and work from home 1 day a week.  These are some of the stresses that we can control.  I've learned some relaxation techniques, although I have to admit it didn't help during the last episode.   I guess I need more practice at it.  My neurologist indicated that sleep is important, regular meals (to keep sugar levels constant)and to avoid certain foods.  I mentioned a migraine diet, feel free to email me at ***@**** and I'll send along the details that the dr. gave me.  But, do me a favor, don't just rely on what has been diagnosed for me.  Listen to the Dr. above, make sure that you see a Neurologist FIRST before you begin to self medicate.  It's a scary thing, not knowing, but you're doing a disservice not only to yourself but to your family if you don't get thoroughly checked.  Recently, I came across a quote from Winston Churchill, it said, "When you're going through hell, keep on going".  I've adopted it as my motto!

[Amy]

What is a migraine diet? I get terrible headaches and maybe this would help me!

[De-De]

I'm so glad to have read your posting.  I, too, have been suffering since March of this year with symptoms very similar to yours.  It began with an overall feeling like I was going to pass out, then unfortunately neuro deficits occurred (slurred speech, right sided weakness, right sided facial droop, expressive aphasia).  I truly believed I was having a stroke and I'm only 44. Unfortunately, I have continued with this "episodes" since then with my latest on Sept. 14th.  After being jabbed, poked and prodded, MRI'd, CT'd, lumbar punctured, cerebral angiogrammed, EEG'd, and being checked for every disease known to man (:-) the only diagnosis they can provide me is "complicated migraine".  I'm one of the "lucky" folks that not only get the vessel/artery dilation, but the constriction, too (this causing the neuro deficits).  All during this time, I have felt my life change from someone who would go and do things at a drop of a hat to someone who have to plan everything, just in case I have an episode.  There's no apparent trigger to this thing which makes life even more complicated.

Right now, the neuro's have me on Verapamil 480mg per day (calcium channel blocker) and on a very strict "migraine diet" and aspirin 325mg per day.  We have to wait and see what happens.  

You should DEFINITELY seek a neurologist (preferrably one who has an interest in migraine)and not try to ignore your symptoms.  Life's too short, and no one gets extra points for suffering!  Remember, you are not alone.

[Minnie Mouse]

Thank you doctor for your advice,  I will follow  through with requesting to see a neurologist.  Your advice is comforting and it will help to intice the GP here to recommend a neurologist.  Thank you so much!  

To De De, thank you as well.  My husband wants to know what your emotional environment is like and whether you caan administer to your needs adequately?  How is the level of stress and do you feel this contributes to your migraines?  Also what IS a migraine diet?  Thanks.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Sorry to hear about your symptoms. Your headaches as well as the other symptoms could represent a number of things including vertiginous migraines and benign positional vertigo. You do need to see a neurologist as your symptoms are severe enough to put you out of commission for 24hrs at a time. Imaging studies of your brain such as an MRI and a formal neurological examination would be helpful in making sure nothing was wrong with your nervous system. If they are migraine headaches, you need adequate treatment that provides some measure of pain relief, preferrably by a neurologist. Talk to your GP and let him/her know what you're going through. Best of luck.