Ask the Clinician: Answers to Readers' Questions

December 29, 2003

7) My husband occasionally gets migraine attacks, but not the symptoms he experienced yesterday which was a very bad giddiness where everything spun around, and he could not stand up until the spinning had stopped. Then he felt very weak and had a headache come on. We were in a shop at the time where there were a lot of lights on. Can you answer this question for me? Thank you, Lin.
Click HERE for our reply.

8) Hello, I have been suffering from migraines for many years now. I am 24-years-old and my doctor has been trying several new medications for treatment. He has just prescribed me Bextra, 10 mg, however I have been doing some research and have not come across anything that says that Bextra treats migraines, only arthritis. Is this something I should be taking? Thanks, Jen.
Click HERE for our reply.

9) Hello, my 11 year old son has been getting headaches frequently, and is tired alot of the time, which is unusual for him, this week he has had a fever which comes and goes on top of the headache. He was complaining yesterday that it felt like he had to pee every five minutes. He doesn't have any other symptoms. Perhaps you might be able to give me your opinion, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Laura.
Click HERE for our reply.

10) I am a 34-year-old who has been diagnosed with severe chronic migraines, pineal cyst , and Chiari Malformation1 . Can you tell me the difference between the Chiari malformation1 headaches and the migraines? I think I get both.. however, when I saw my neurosurgeon, he said he can't tell if I have Chiari headaches or migraines.. My problem is that I am barely living my life any more my balance is bad, my gait and I keep seeing too funny to drive I am constantly lethargic. I am also having problems with my cognitive abilities. They put my on Topamax and I am trying to take it. However, I am on 25mg twice a day and I can barely function on that and I am still in pain. The doctor also told me to still take my Midrin or Vicodin if I needed too. I can't even imagine doing that with the state the Topamax puts me in. What I mean by barely function is the med makes me cry constantly and then I have hours where I just sit and am out of it.. One of the only forms of relief I have found is swimming for some reason it relieves all the pressure on the back of my head and I can function. As long as the headache is not too severe if I last an hour then I do get some relief and I am almost like I use to be. I have had daily headaches, with dizzy spells and funky vision constantly for over 8 months now with the severe migraines 2-3times a week. Thank you, Anita.
Click HERE for our reply.

11) I recently went to a new neurologist. I've had migraines for 30 years but they have been really bad the past 3. The new neurologist thinks it is because of the Berber carpet we installed 3 years ago. His recommendation is to rip it all up and put in hardwood flooring. I do admit I have allergy problems, but I don't know if it is that severe. Has anyone else had this severe of a reaction to Berber carpet? We are willing to do whatever is necessary to relieve my pain. Thanks for the advice. Robyn.
Click HERE for our reply.

12) I am 70, had migraines since fourth grade, decreasing in frequency and pain as I have aged. After none in several years, they have reappeared suddenly -- five to date in a week's time. Still have the vision blackout then the aura (like pennants on a ship) but there is almost no pain following. I take Synthroid 75mg daily for hypothyroidism. No other drugs. Why are they back and what is causing this reappearance? Thank you, Mary in Dallas.
Click HERE for our reply.