Why doesn't my headache specialist/neurologist want to know WHY I'm having continuous migraines? Of course, I want the pain to stop but I'd like to know the cause in case it's something that I need to keep an eye on. Is there a reason that no tests have been ordered? I've had two CAT scans in the last 3 months. One, when I had a really bad panic attack that included severe restless leg syndrome 'jerking' in my legs as well as my arms and head (I had never had that happen before) and one when I had a nose bleed that wouldn't stop. Both times the scans showed nothing wrong. I feel like I'm being a pain in the ass for wanting know what's going on. Please, help me.
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Q: Why doesn't my headache specialist/neurologist want to know WHY I'm having continuous migraines?
Answers (3)
10/11/10 11:53pm
Moon Goddess,
-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-•*Welcome to MyMigraineConnection!*•-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-
For the majority of Migraineurs, tests show nothing. Migraine is a genetic neurological disease caused by a genetic predisposition and overactive neurons in the brai. Is there a particular symptom or experience you've had that makes you feel that your doctor should be doing more testing.
Do you know what any of your triggers are? Trigger identification and management is a vital component of managing Migraine disease. One of the best tools for identifying triggers is a good Migraine diary. You can download a free diary workbook from our article Your Migraine and Headache Diary. A wide range of thigns can be triggers including bright or flickering lights, strong odors, dehydration, sleep problems, hormonal fluctuations, and more. If you and your doctor haven't discussed triggers, it's time to do so.
Some of us have food triggers; some of us don't. It's advisable to determine if your daughter does, and an elimination diet is the best way to do that. For more information and a workbook on this, see Managing Migraine - Migraine Trigger Foods.
I see that you also comment that you want to know what kind of Migraines you have. Good. That's very important. 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 "cluster Migraine." You can read more about the importance of a correct diagnosis in The Type of Migraine Does Matter.
If your doctor isn't able to help you, it may well be time to consult a Migraine and headache specialist. 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 information helps.
Welcome again,
Teri
10/11/10 10:02am
10/11/10 2:26pm
If you had two CATs that came up clear, I can't really see an MRI being indicated.
The "why" is you have a genetic neurological disorder called Migraine disease.
You see, Migraine is a "primary" headache disorder, which means it is an illness in and of itself. You have migraines because you have Migraine disease. Migraines are very rarely a "secondary" headache disorder, where the Migraine is a symptom of underlying brain trauma or some other condition.
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By moon goddess— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 10/11/10
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this doc didn't order either CT scan. it was 2 different ER docs - for different reasons - neither for migraines.