Sunday, May 27, 2012
Saturday, July 05, 2008 lorrainespo asks

Q: I have migraines & upbeat nystagmus with chronic sinus problems. Any help, I'm desperate?

I began having nystagmus, migraines, balance problems etc since 1994. I have gone to top neurologist and am taking 500 mg diamox 1x daily. I am afraid of many drugs they want me to try. I can be fine at times, then an "epidsode" begins with my nystagmus increasing, nausea, and a migraine. This appears to affect my sinus area also.  I take 800 mg. motrin, plus duradrin (which is no longer available). I am desperate and tired of living this way. When an episode begins, I cannot drive, and find it very difficult to work. I have had some bad experiences with certain drugs. My neurologist wants me to try duloxetine 20 mg to start, then increase if I can tolerate it in an attempt to stop the nystagmus. He informed me the drug may cause seizures. Is anyone else suffering from anything similar. I feel so isolated with multiple problems. I do not want to b a guinea pig either. It appears at times the migraines settle into the sinus area. My headaches or episodes can last for over seven days.  Any answers would be helpful.

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Answers (2)
Teri Robert, Health Guide
9/23/08 3:34pm

The prognosis for upbeat nystagmus depends on the cause of it. Have any of the neurologists mentioned the cause of it? Nystagmus can be a symptom of Migraine as can balance problems.

 

Migraine attacks can also impact the sinus area since the trigeminal nerve (TN) becomes inflamed during a Migraine, and one branch of the TN runs across the sinus area. To see this illustrated, take a look at Pathways of Migraine.

 

Yes, Duradin has been discontinued, but Midrin and Epidrin are the exact same medication and are available.

 

We can't diagnose, but all the problems you discuss here could well be related to your Migraines. Even "top" neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine specialists. At this point, I suggest that you see a Migraine specialist to investigate your Migraines and see if all of these issue are tied together. If they are, it could be that appropriate Migraine treatment could help you a great deal and give you better health and a greatly improved quality of life.

 

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.

 

Good luck to you. Please let us know how things go for you?

Teri

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10/13/10 9:03pm

i suffer from severe migraines and have just been told that i also have a nystagmus my doctor is giving me an MRI he thinks there could be an underlying issue some where in my brain brain stem or cerribellum. cleveland clinic in ohio has some of the best docs, dr. jordan and his associates are very nice and caring. if possible i would look into coming here they dont just rush through to get you out they will do anything to help u find an answer. cuz this is very difficult to live with work with and have any kind of relationships with since your always in pain and cranky

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By lorrainespo— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 07/05/08