I have migraines and have had them for years. Over the past several months I have started getting other symptoms that I know to be different from my "usual migraines". My scalp at the cap or top of my head tingles and feels tight with heat radiating off my head from this same area, like a sauna. During these times, my hands will alternate between freezing cold to the touch and normal temperature. Lately, I find myself, having more and more difficulty finding the right word to finish a thought during a conversation. I am on preventative medication for migraines but at this time I am back to 2-3 migraines a week and have seen an increase in this other tingling heat on days when there is no migraine present. Any ideas what this is and if this is just another form of migrain?
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Q: Just part of my migraine symptoms or something else?
Hi GG,
Any time our Migraine pattern changes, it is important to let our doctors know, especially if they are new, different or more intense. Do let you doctor know, then let me know what he says ok?
In the meantime, Anatomay of a Migraine, is a great place to start reading as PaigeC suggested. Another interesting article about Migraine is: Migraine Aura Can Have Many Variations
In addition to aphasia (inability to find words) allodynia (hypersensitivity to touch and feel) can be a symptom of a Migraine attack.
If you are still having more than two Migraines a WEEK, it is definately time for a new doctor - maybe a Migraine specialist at that. 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.
It is important not to stop taking Topamax suddenly. It is a medication that needs to be tapered off slowly. For more information on it, see our complete profile on here: Topamax.
Keep me posted, ok?
Nancy
Just curious, are you on Topamax? I had the same problems on it and called it "Dope-amax." As a teacher, I couldn't deal with the speaking aspect (my degree is in Speech/Comm.) I am now searching for another one that work as well, without the side effects.
As a matter of fact, I am. On my last visit with my doctor I told him, again, about the tingling, heat, my hands and problems with searching for words to finish my sentences. His answer was to up the dose and add Amitriptyline. Now my skin feels like it is constantly vibrating. I cancelled my upcoming appointment with the nurse practicioner and am looking to change doctors. Not happy at all as they do not listen to what I am telling them, much less really read the migraine diary. Frustrating!
I am with you on this. I've been on topomax for years and have had this same reaction so frustrating when you cannot remember the simple everyday words. But since the medication seems to give me some relief i stay on it, however, i have had other side effects as well and memory loss is a big one. Find a doctor who will listen to you it's very important, it's your body, your life.
Thanks so much! Between the two medications I was getting some relief for a brief time but am back to being up three and four times a night because the migraines wake me back up and I have nothing to take at the beginning of a migraine as the doctor was hoping, I guess, by adding the other medication it would hold off the migraines frequency? Maxalt was a no go previously as it drove my bloodpressure up, which had not been a problem before. Definitely, a new Doctor is needed!
One of the problems we migraine people have in common is that we suffer too long before doing something. Don't wait! Find a new headache doctor who is willing to take the time to help you. You're important!
Thank you for your words of support! Much needed! Found a new Doctor and will see him next month! Yeah!
Good for you! Good luck. Let me know what happens.
In this website, there's a page called "The Anatomy of a Migraine" and the things you are describing the aura phase, and the headache phase of a migraine. I sympathize with you. I have had many bad attacks where I can barely talk - struggling with confusion and difficulty in finding words (aphasia). Do a search for "Anatomy of a Migraine" on this site and you'll be amazed at the different parts that we go through. I hope that this helps and pray you find relief, all of us find relief, from this monster someday soon. God bless.
The Anatomy of a Migraine by Teri Roberts
http://www.healthcentral.com/migraine/understanding-migraine-29375-5.html
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Glad I am not the only one with these tingles. Strange, I know, but after having migraines for the majority of my life, to suddenly have them alternating with these tingling sensations and heat generating from same cap area is a little discomforting.