Complex Migraines

by Jenn W
(Nama, Idaho, USA)

I'm a 29 year old female who has been diagnosed with complex migraines. That was 6 years ago. I have had tests for stroke on two occasions and they came back normal. They make my left side, mostly from the eye level down, look and I assume feel like I've had a stroke. After some time the symptoms lessen and I can function again.

However, the symptoms never completely go away. I am always left with some numbness and weakness. Kinda like novacaine just before it completely wares off. That has never gone back to normal since the first episode.

I take inderal and topamax. I don't usually get a headache when the episodes happen. I do also get regular, aurora type migraines a couple to 4 times a month. Do you have any thoughts on why the symptoms don't go completely away. I stump my doctor.

Thanks.
Confused in Idaho
Jenn

Answer:

Hi Jenn,

It sounds as if you are having a form of hemiplegic migraine, which can also be called complex migraine. You do not mention if anyone else in the family has had this problem..it can be genetic.

You may also have ocular migraine which involves visual symptoms only but no headache.

Topamax and inderal are good choices for your problems. You could consider talking to the doctor about trying verapamil 240mg per day in place of the inderal. You might get a better result. You do not mention if the doctor is a neurologist but I will assume that is who is treating your migraine symptoms.

Finally, keep in mind that the anxiety receptors in the brain are almost chemically identical to the migraine ones..if you have had these problems for years then some low level anxiety could be playing a role. Fluctuating numbness and weakness can occur with anxiety.

Here is more information on anxiety symptoms and there is a copy of the Beck Anxiety Inventory on that page. You can take the test yourself and then discuss it with your physician.

Good luck..
Mary Kay Betz MS RPA-C