Monday, May 28, 2012
Monday, November 23, 2009 Marie asks

Q: What is causing post MTBI problems with chronic migraines (with aura), LOC and seizure activity

After a concussion last year my friend developed a severe case of post concussion syndrome and was diagnosed with a MTBI. Subsequently she was knocked out twice in one evening; unconscious for about 2 hours in all.

 

Since then she started having fainting episodes, prolonged periods of loss of consciousness and seizure (tonic-clonic, myoclonic and absence) activity associated with her migraines; she now gets basilar and hemiplegic migraines in addition to the migraines with aura she had previously.

 

The migraines are really chronic; she's really light and noise sensitive, the aura symptoms are present almost constantly and any little thing triggers her migraines. CAT scan and 15 min EEG (no seizure activity occured during it and she was on a high dose of gabapentin at the time -prescribed for neuropathic pain) were clear but she's getting more minor concussions all the time because of the migraines/fainting etc.

 

She also has polycystic kidneys and polycystic ovary syndrome and prior to the concussions last year had experienced about 10 concussions. She had multiple admissions to ED but no one seems to know what is going on or causing the problems.  What is likely to be the cause of the problems and can they be treated?

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Answers (1)
Teri Robert, Health Guide
11/25/09 3:51pm

Marie,

 

Yours is a very good question, but not one that anyone can answer via the Internet. Your friend's case needs to be studied very carefully by a doctor who can review her full medical history, family medical history, all of her medical records and imaging studies, discuss her symptoms with her, and conduct a complete examination. This doctor needs to be well versed both in headache disorders and brain injury.

 

Only a doctor working closely with your friend can even tell if all of these events are totally related or if there are multiple issues that came about at the same time.

 

I would suggest looking for a Migraine and headache specialist who has experience with post-concussive syndrome and traumatic brain injury. 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.

 

I hope this is at least somewhat helpful. It's not that I don't want to answer your question, but nobody can answer it via the Internet.

 

Please keep us posted?

 

Good luck to your friend,

Teri

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By Marie— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 11/23/09