Sunday, May 27, 2012
Monday, October 11, 2010 FallingDownAlot asks

Q: Daily headaches, now seizures...

I've been having daily migraines for over 2 years.  First I was diagnosed with tIAs, then MS, now it's supposedly complicated migraines.  A month ago I started having Grand Mal seziures.  My neurologist has tried me on Topomax and Depakote but I couldn't tolerate either drug.  The migraines broke through the Topamax and I seized anyway.  The Depoakote gave me the worst headache I've ever had and I was so dizzy I couldn't even walk without assistance.  This intense headache lasted 3 days.  Doc has given up and is sending me to the Cleveland Clinic.  Is this really my only hope of finding answers and proper treatment?

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Answers (2)
Teri Robert, Health Guide
10/12/10 6:42pm

-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-•*Welcome to MyMigraineConnection!*•-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-

 

I'm not sure what you mean by the Cleveland Clinic being youronly hope, but I would absolytely suggest that you see a good Migraine specialist. It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.

 

A question here is if the seizures are related to the Migraines or if you also have a seizure disorder. That's something only well trained doctors are going to be able to answer. One thing to note is that medications such as Depakote and Topamax both need to be started a low doses and tapered up. Then, it can take up to three months to know if they're going to work for you or not.

 

Please keep us posted?

 

Welcome again,

Teri

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10/12/10 9:34am

Sometimes when a doctor gives up on you, it's a good thing.  It means your case is more complicated than they are capable of handling, and instead of giving you substandard care or guessing, they are referring you to someone who can actually help you.

 

I was seeing a neuro for about a year, until at one appointment he (literally) threw his hands up and said "I don't know what to do for you.  I think you need to go to Jefferson Headache Center".  You know what?  That was the best thing that ever happened to me.  I now have a true Migraine Specialist who is helping me a lot more than any of the other neuros I've seen over the years.

 

It sounds like you need someone top notch who can not only correctly diagnose you (FYI, "complicated migraines" is NOT a diagnosis), but who also is willing to go outside the box on treatment, and can handle multiple conditions.  Cleveland Clinic is as good a place to start as any.  If that doesn't work out, we have a list here of patient recommended Migraine Specialists.  Many of us have been through quite a few doctors before we find the right one for us.

 

Good luck

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By FallingDownAlot— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 10/11/10