how to tell the difference between a TIA and a complex migraine

09/10/08

jennifer l.

Topics:Aura , Migraine Treatment , diagnosis

i am being investigated for what was at first called a stroke, later downgraded to a TIA.

i've suffered migraines for 15 years, but the last 10 years have been reduced to frequent ice picks.

i take indomethacin, neurontin and elavil on a daily preventive regimen.

the TIA was a breakthrough, scary event, and i've had several more attacks on a lesser scale.

i'm waiting to see my neurologist but wonder what the difference is between 'complex migraine' and stroke or TIA.

jennifer in western canada

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Answers (2)

Thursday, September 11, 2008

janicetaylor2004

Hi Jennifer

I was diagnosed with TIA recently, (on my first trip to the ER), then on my second (not even a week later), they said maybe TIA, maybe migraine. Or...oh wait maybe it's stress, or maybe it's Vitamin B12 problem, or oh no wait I know I know.... maybe you're "mental".

On my 3rd trip (3 days after getting out of the hospital from my 2nd visit), to the ER (I went to OSU Medical). They admitted me with Stroke possible, but also check other things, after making sure that I had not had a stroke. They said that I had "complicated migraine" - to be specific, Hemiplegic migraine. They have the same symptoms as a stroke. They gave me neurontin, and "knock on wood" I haven't had an episode since..

Hope this bit of info is of use to you. Check with your neurologist. Also wouldn't hurt to ask about getting checked for Sleep Apnea. Better to be safe than sorry.

Keep me posted. Have a super evening (worry and headache and episode free)

Janice

Thank you for your input
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Thursday, September 25, 2008

Nancy Harris Bonk

Hi jennifer,

The term Complex Migraine is not an accurate diagosis. The International Headache Society(IHS) is the gold standard in diagnosing Migraine and headache disorders and doesn't have that listed in their index. IHS International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition, does however have Migraine with aura (MWA) and Migraine without aura (MWOA). For information on MWA, click HERE and MWOA click HERE. We have information on Ice Pick Headaches HERE.

The symptoms of Migraine and TIA can be similar so it's important to see a good doctor. Have you seen a Migraine specialist? Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? is a great article and will tell you why. Then you can find a specialist HERE.

Good luck

Nancy