Suggest Possible Treatments For Migraines,double Vision & Mini Strokes
I have been having daily migraines with auras, double vision, mini stroke symptoms, vertigo with an abnormal ENG showing the majority was from central nervous brain stem involvement (in addition to the BPPV of many years and the exercises are not working). I have tried Topiramate for the cluster headaches with side effects, now trying low dose 10 mg Propanolol twice a day with no help. I think I had a weird one today where I saw everything in 3-D and strange coloring and my left eye felt like it was being pulled inward, plus nausea. This lasted barely over a minute. My migraine did not get worse, but my dizziness did. All of the TIA-like symptoms began with a vertigo spin. Most of them were numb tongue and face with stuttering or mush-mouth, then inability to talk at all. I don t ever sleep well, can t get to sleep for hours, restless all night, relentless chatter when worried, wake up frequently or may only get cat naps all night. I am 59, female, and in menopause for 8 years. I just finished my BS degree in Environmental Studies with a Minor in Climate change and Energy with a 3.91 GPA this semester and average 3.74 GPA. So I was very stressed, but now that is over and I am getting worse. It may take months to get into a Neurologist with their backlog of appointments. I need answers and treatment now. I have had an MRI with indeterminate white spots, the ENG, carotid artery study (no issues), cholesterol is good, swallow study was level 3 dysphagia, and a take home sleep study--O2 test with pulse (waiting on results). BP is usually great: 100 to 120 / 60 to 75, unless I m in extreme pain or stress. It spiked to 160/80 in the ER the day I had 3 TIAs. Are there any other tests I should have my GP order while I wait to see the Neurologist that may even speed my getting in to see him? What could this be and how could it be treated?
I read carefully your question and understand your concern.
The symptoms you describe may be related to transient ischemic attacks or small mini strokes. The lesions found in the brainstem are commonly caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes.
Migraine is also a risk factor for mini strokes, because of the changes to the small vessels.
I would recommend you to use Aspirin 80mg everyday to prevent a possible stroke. An ambulatory blood pressure 24-48 hour monitoring and a consult with your cardiologist would be necessary to diagnose and treat properly your high blood pressure.
I would also recommend atorvastatine or any other statins for the cholesterol. Their role in protecting against strokes has been proven, besides normal cholesterol values.
As for the migraine attacks I would recommend to start oxcarbazepine or valproate. These two drugs are also very helpful with dizziness.
Hope to have been helpful!
Greetings! Dr. Aida
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Suggest Possible Treatments For Migraines,double Vision & Mini Strokes
Hello! I read carefully your question and understand your concern. The symptoms you describe may be related to transient ischemic attacks or small mini strokes. The lesions found in the brainstem are commonly caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes. Migraine is also a risk factor for mini strokes, because of the changes to the small vessels. I would recommend you to use Aspirin 80mg everyday to prevent a possible stroke. An ambulatory blood pressure 24-48 hour monitoring and a consult with your cardiologist would be necessary to diagnose and treat properly your high blood pressure. I would also recommend atorvastatine or any other statins for the cholesterol. Their role in protecting against strokes has been proven, besides normal cholesterol values. As for the migraine attacks I would recommend to start oxcarbazepine or valproate. These two drugs are also very helpful with dizziness. Hope to have been helpful! Greetings! Dr. Aida