What is this?

[frustr8ed67]

I am a 41 yr old woman. 8 months ago while painting my living room wall. I had a horrible intense pain attack in my head that lasted about 10 minutes, when it was gone it was gone. I did not go to the ER but did make an appointment with my PCP, and saw her 2 days later. I had a CT about a week later that showed nothing. Her thought was that maybe I experienced a TIA and told me to take a baby aspirin daily.  I will try to put my story in a nutshell...
The following symptoms have occurred since:  Numbness that first started in my lip and left temple that moved to include whole left side of face/head. At it's worse, my entire head, neck, and portion of my back were completey numb. I would get a clamping - tightening of my head. Electric tingle type feelings in my head, arms and legs. Heavy head feeling - like my skull was filled with jell-o. Crackling in neck and back of head. Stiff / sore neck. At times it seems like my brain freezes and I have no thought process. I forget words and have a hard time remembering simple things. I have had 3 blackouts though-out the past 8 months. Also, left hip pain, a very warm/heat sensation in various areas including bottom of right root and an area left thigh not. While somedays it seems I am feeling better, I can have a horrible day(s) and the next day(s) I can feel fine (not a 100% but functional) and the next day be horrible again - there is no pattern.
I have had MRI, MRA, CT's with and without contrast all have come back normal. I have been to 3 different Neurologists. All three has had different ideas. But none have not given me a diagnosis. The first doctor believes I suffer from migraines. The second thought I had an arterial dissection of the coratid artery but healed before the MRI/MRA/CT's were done. The third doc ( my current ) has no idea. I am taking Gabapenton and hoping everyday that someday I can return to my normal life. My husband and I are very active people - love to mountain bike, hike, and run. but have had to put our lives on hold because of my head. Any ideas - anyone???

[frustr8ed67]

I do not mean to offend. But it seems that doctors like to diagnose migraines as an easy way out. Because it seems like an easy solution, most meds used for migraines will probably disguise and possibly treat other problems.
I do not now nor have I ever had headaches. I had one horrible head pain that resembled an aneurysm, but did not show up on any test. When I chose the user name frustr8ed I mean it. I cannot believe that 3 doctors with how many years of schooling cannot take the time to figure me out.
I don't think my case is all that complicated. I just can't seem to find a doctor that will take the time to listen and investigate.
Can I also add to my line of many symptoms : I sometimes feel this disconnecting feeling. It wakes me up in the middle of the night. It is so scary that I feel like I am not going to wake up in the morning if I fall back to sleep. It happens while I'm driving (which I have limited since this all started) It happens in the middle of the day while I am at work.
I am currently taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. (for the past 3 years)
Seven years ago I was treated for Lyme Disease.
I was tested for Diabetes (this does run in my family) test were normal.
I did have a CT but have not had an X-ray of spine. Do you think I should recommend having this done to my doctor?
The spine CT showed a compressed - I think c-7, I don't remember. The nurse said that most people have this and it was nothing to worry about.
I have many questions.
Thank you for taking the time to read and respond.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
The possibility of migraine seems to be quite possible since you have symptoms of one sided numbness, neck soreness, numbness and pain on one side of head.
Are you taking any treatment for migraines?
It is important also to rule out peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes and B12 deficiency.
Did you undergo CT scan or X ray of spine?  It is important to rule out nerve compression due to spinal diseases like disc prolapse and herniation.
Hope this helps!