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Tuesday, November, 24, 2009
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What type of issue do you have with Ice Pick Migraines?

Renae
10/11/09
Renae
Topics:MigraineTopamaxMigraine Diagnosis

I've been suffering with pain on the left side of my face since April 2009 and was just recently diagnosed with Ice Pick Migraines. I'm now noticing that I'm also having issues with my speech and my balance seems off as well. I've never been Grace Kelly, but it seems like it doesn't take much for me to all most fall now. I'm only 30 years old, so I don't think that I should really have that much trouble. The issue with my speech is I know what word that I want to say in my head, but it's all most like I know the word I want to say, but my mouth just says something comepletly else. I"m still dealing with the pain in my left temple and ear and cheeck. I've had an MRI, CT and had no tumors, and everything looked fine. I'm just wondering if anyone out there has any ideas or has had any symptons such as these. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I've been to a lot of different doctors and I'm pretty frustrated.

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Answers (1)
Nancy Harris Bonk
Nancy Harris Bonk
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Community Manager


My first real experience with chronic head pain...

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Hi Renae,

 

How awful to have chronic pain lasting six months. That is totally unacceptable, and I'm so sorry you are suffering - I know all about chronic pain.

 

I know you've been to lots of doctors, but it is time to get a new one.

 

One of the most important things is to get an accurate diagnosis. To simplify matters and make it easier for people to get information and treatment, doctors usually go by the gold standard for diagnosis, the International Headache Society's International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition (ICHD-II). Under ICHD-II, there is no diagnosis of "Ice Pick Migraine." You can read more about the importance of a correct diagnosis in The Type of Migraine Does Matter.

 

Ice Pick headache symptoms usually happen anywhere around the head in short, burning, stabbing,  "ice pick" like sensations. The pain typically lasts from five to 30 seconds and come "out of the blue." There may be many or few attacks a day. Take a look at this article for more information: Ice Pick Headaches - The Basics.

 

Having said all that, since your doctor is not helping you it's time to consult a Migraine and headache specialist. I know you are tired of seeing doctor after doctor, but it is important to see an expert now. 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.

 

Let me know how you make out, and if there is anything else I can do for you,

Nancy

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This animation shows one of the key causes of pain during a migraine--changes to the blood flow within the brain.

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