I have just been diagnosed with Basal migraine. I have been dealing with migraines since 2005. The current (and second) neurologist I am seeing (since 2007) put me on Topamax and has pretty much been at a loss with me. His loss stems from the fact that my migraine has no triggers. My migraines have been less frequent on Topamax (about 2 or 3 a month) but still debilitating. I have been at a pain clininc (having nothing to do with my current neurologist) for the last 3 months dealing with another medical issue in my life. When my chronic headache issue came to light they tried another med. on me (along with the topamax) and asked me to come back and see another doc in 3 weeks (9/30/09). This doc spoke with me for 20 minutes on my medical history, gave me the full neuro exam and within MINUTES diagnosed my migraines as BASAL!! He is the president of this clinic and is very well known. I have no reason to doubt him other than the rareness of BTM. He, very distinctly and rightly so, warned me NOT to take my Imitrex anymore! I'm still in shock. I haven't had a migraine in weeks and I've got one now (I'm now into the 10th hour). I'm able to function, but sick, nauseous, dizzy and overall confused which is becoming more common. I go in for x-ray and tests the next week or so to define the distinctness of the Basal Migraine. Should I be worried?
Hello, and welcome to MyMigraineConnection.com!
Basilar-Type Migraine (BTM) has symptoms that can mimic other, far more serious conditions. It's very important that the diagnosis be definitive and correct. CT's and MRI should be done to rule out any other causes for the symptoms. An EEG may also be done to make sure there is not any seizure activity or disorders. If the doctor making the diagnosis is hesitant about it, definitely seek a second opinion from another doctor. It is a good idea to see a Migraine specialist because BTM is not a common condition. For more information on BTM continue reading this article: Basilar-Type Migraine - The Basics. Then you may want to take a look at our patient recommended specialist list HERE.
While I don't want you to get too worried, if your Migrainje pain falls into the desciption below please see your doctor: A single Migraine that lasts 72 hours or longer with less than a solid four-hour pain-free period, while awake, is termed status Migrainous. You should see your doctor or go to the emergency room if a Migraine lasts that long. See Status Migrainous - The Basics for more information. You'll take care of you head and let us know how you make out, right?
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Welcome again,
Nancy BonkMyMigraineConnection.com Expert
This doctor was in no way hesitant. In fact, he was quite the opposite. I will be getting an x-ray soon and an MRI (both by his request) ASAMP. He had 2 other doctors meet with him immediately following our meeting and even had 1 come in the office so they could both watch while he did the neuro eye exam on me for a fourth time. He seemed amazed at the fact that my eyes "jumped". I have read all the symptoms of a BTM and that is me to a tee. I can only hope that he is still wrong. Right now I am taking Norco and Phenergan to get me through the night. I only hope to sleep well and wake to non-spinning world.
Ok, that is good to hear. We always want to hear that, do you have any motor weakness with your Migraines?
After you read our article, which is very informative, let me know if you have any questions, ok? Hang in there.
I don't think I have any loss of motor skills (?) . . .I know that sounds odd, but I'm a bit confused at times and have trouble remembering and focusing. I did lose a grip on a can of pop earlier. My hand seemed to not want to close. I have always had a tingling in my hands that has gotten worse this last year.
I am confused about aura and what it means. I also don't understand what you mean about . . ."going less than a 4 hours in 72 hour period without pain" . . .or something like that? . . .I'm sorry I can't rememember exactly how it was worded. Can you help me with what that meant?
No problem, there is a lot of information and it can be overwhelming. So here's goes - I hope I can help.
When we have a single Migraine that lasts a really long time, more than 72 hours, it may put us at an increased risk for stroke. Now, the four hour rule goes something like this - to make sure our Migraine is gone, we need to be totally pain free for four hours. If we don't get four or more hours of pain free time (when we are awake, not sleeping) then we need to get medical care to break the Migraine because we probably still have the same Migraine. It can be really hard to tell sometimes. Maybe the pain is around a 2 or 3, for a few hours, then goes away for an hour. Two hours later you are back up to a 7. So now, 5-6 more hours have gone by and you still have a Migraine (this is just an example of course.)
That's why it is so important to have the right diagnosis so we can tell when we have a Migraine or a Tension-Type Headache, or menstrually/hormonally related Migraine. But it is really hard to do, sometimes it still stumps me!! One way to tell if it is a Migraine is to put your head between your knees and see if the pain gets worse...if so then it probably is a Migraine. Take a look at this article for more information on the Types of Migraines and Headaches.
No, it isn't odd about the motor skills, again very confusing stuff. But loss of motor skills is more than numbness and tingling. We're talking about downright temporary paralysis. Once the Migraine is over, the paralysis usually goes away. Does that help any? Let me know, really, and I'll answer whatever I can.
Take care,
Nancy