something I read, I wonder if nitroglycerine could become a preventative for us.
but I cant help but think, if it opens up the viens inthe head It must do this for the whole body,
that could be trouble?
Re: Re: Permenant Complex Migraine?
Forum: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum
Topic Area: Headache
Posted by Karyn S. Huntting on June 13, 1998 at 03:21:58:
In Reply to: Re: Permenant Complex Migraine? posted by CCF NEUROLOGY MD/in on May 24, 1998 at 18:25:19:
: : I am a 32 year old Male. non-smoker,non-drinker. Work in Engineering field.
: : I have a history of Cancer and Migraines. Blood pressure is always normal.
: : Four months ago I was at work in the morning and my right arm turned numb and tiggly. It also felt very cold and heavy. I could use it fine. Over the next several days the feelings spread to the right foot and the right side of my face. I saw the family Doctor and then a Neurologist. I had an CT, MRI (both to brain) and lumbar puncher but they all showed normal. I was diagnosed with “complex migraine” and put on cartizem. The cartizem helped with the migriane frequency but the numbness has never left me.
: : A few weeks ago I woke up not able to move with out great effort. I would shake with every movement. My wife took me to the emergency room. I had a strange reaction the the contrast media they gave me when they wanted to do a CT. As soon as they put it in me the movement symptoms disappeared!
: : The CT showed normal. The movement symptoms came back after a few hours. The ER Doctors then gave me a “nitro under the toung” pill and the symptoms left again. I have now seen a “Blood Doctor” and he says my blood is somewhat “thick” but not abnormal. I get the shaking movement problems still and am very weak. I am headed for IU Med center in Indy next week because the Neurologist say “there is nothing wrong that they can find”
: : Should I be seeing a Neurologist or someone else? I guess I am writing this because I enjoyed looking through your other replies. I found some insights into my case. I would welcome any feedback
: : Thank You
: ==========================================================
: Dear Jeff:
: Your symptoms are atypical for migraine.
: I would suggest that you consult with a Neurologist first in order to make sure that your neurological examination is normal and may be get what we call MRA (magnetic resonance angiogram) that will show the arteries in your brain and your neck. Because one possibility is recurrent ischemic attacks. Another remote possibility is seizure but it is doubtful based on your reported story.
: Again, I would suggest that you first see a Neurologist. If you would like a second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1 800 CCF CARE in order to make an appointment with a specialist at the Department of Neurology
: Good luck
Suggest you ask your neurologist about the possibility of Basilar Artery Migraine. You may be interested to read about the disorder, including symptoms and typical cases. It is quite often missed in the diagnostic process (and is known as a “migraine variant,” “complicated migraine,” or “complex migraine,” depending on what your source is). Your reaction to nitroglycerine is also consistent with someone having a BAM attack (since BAM is vasoconstriction in the vertebrobasilar territory and the nitro is a vasodilator–it is a good way to treat acute attacks).