Thursday, February 21, 2013 KK asks

Q: Scary TIA symptoms yet MRI is normal?

My husband has suffered from Migraines since he was 16. He is now 35. Three of his aunts all have similar migraines. When he gets a migraine his hands go numb and some times his vision is affected, he'll have weakness on his left side, difficulty speaking, and thinking clearly. In 2009 the left hand side of his body went numb and he was in the hospital for four days. They did extensive tests including CAT scans, MRI's, blood work, stress tests, and more. All of the tests came back normal. We recently found a neurologist who specializes in Migraines and he said that my husband might have Basilar Migraine. On Saturday my husband had a horrible migraine attack and his symptoms made me worried that he might be having a TIA or stroke so I took him to the hospital. They gave him an MRI, CAT scan, and did blood work while he was experiencing the migraine. His blood pressure was also through the roof. Then, just like in 2009, all of his test's came back normal. His neurologist came and said that since the test results show that nothing is wrong then my husband must be faking the symptoms and asked if there was something in his life causing him enough stress to cause him to fake a TIA.

Honestly, I was furious. I have watched my husband suffer from these migraines for years. With 15-20 migraine dominated days a month, he has learned to simply push through the pain and rarely complains. There is NO WAY in hell he has been faking all the neurological symptoms that I have observed over our 12 years of marriage. I felt like the neurologist was blaming my husband for his inadequacy as a medical professional; that simply because he didn't understand what was causing my husband's symptoms that he must be faking. Are there other people who suffer from migraines that present neurological symptoms without showing abnormal MRI's or CAT scans? I hope some one out there has answers.

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Answers (2)

Teri Robert, Health Guide

2/22/13 11:50am

KK,

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

Tests such as MIR, CT scans, and blood work generally ARE "normal" in Migraine patients. None of them can confirm Migraine. They're used to rule out other issues such as stroke, tumor, etc.

I have no idea who the doctor is who has been treating your husband, but I would suggest getting a second opinion from another specialist. Many of us have encountered doctors who call themselves specialists when they're not. Migraine specialists almost always see patients only for the treatment of Migraine and other headache disorders. 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.

You said that your husband's doctor said he might have basilar-type Migraine. Your husband needs a dianogsis, not "might." It's also important to note that you said he experiences weakness on his left side. True motor weakness occurs only in hemiplegic Migraine. Some people confuse numbness and tingling with weakness, so your husband needs to be sure which is happening during his Migraines.

Take a look at these two articles so you'll have more information to discuss with your husband's doctor:

• Basilar-Type Migraine - the Basics

• Hemiplegic Migraine - The Basics

I hope this information helps. Please keep me posted on how your husband is doing?

Welcome again,

Teri

Veronica Loncar

2/22/13 1:20pm

I've also been having these for years too. Many people and even doctors don't understand what they are. I have them often during the month as well, my tests are always normal too. I can have other symptoms too, like a hard time typing correctly, slurring my speech, or not being able to comprehend or express my thoughts, can be very scary at first. You really need to go to a Headach Specialist to get a real diagnosis. Of course the stress affects me, but so do a lot of other things.

3/15/13 11:38pm

Dear Teri,

Thank you for your response. My husband's migraines have continued relentlessly since the 16th of February without a break. His neurologist is a Migraine specialist. We saw him again this morning and he told us that the migraines are the manifestation of some traumatic experience in my husband's past. This might make sense except for the fact that my husband had a good childhood and the kind of traumatic events that might qualify as a Post-Traumatic Stress causing event happened after his migraines began. When I suggested that there may be some other physical cause for my husband's symptoms he told me point plank that it was not possible and that he would not continue to treat my husband unless he was psychoanalyzed first. We will be going to see a different Migraine specialist however I would be lying if I didn't admit that this experience has discouraged us greatly.

Thanks for all your responses. It helps to know we are not alone.

Teri Robert, Health Guide

3/15/13 11:41pm

Thanks for updating us. I'm going to send you a private message.

Teri

Erica

2/22/13 12:21pm

My tests always come back normal. Always. I've also been asked if I've been stressed in my life, which of course I am, who isn't. I was recently told I have Conversion Disorder because my tests were normal and so the Neurologist didn't believe I was experieincing anything neurological. She believed my mind was manifesting these symptoms, but she did not tell me I was making it up, she simply said that stress could be causing my mind to manifest this stress as pain. Sounds reasonable, but I do not believe this is my problem. I do, however, believe that stress may be making my Hemiplegic Migraine attacks worse. Stress always exaggerates any illness, no matter what it is you suffer from. There are people out there who do fake it and unfortunately it makes all of us who really do feel pain and weakness with normal results. I have Hemiplegic Migraines, it's possible your husband does too. You should really look into finding a Migraine Specialist or Headache Treatment Center. I was originally diagnosed with Basilar Artery Migraine and later Hemiplegic Migraine. Good Luck!!

Q: Scary TIA symptoms yet MRI is normal?

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