Question: Chronic daily headache diagnosis, episodes of numbness, other symptoms?
Answer:
Full Question:
Hi I am a 35 year old female. I suffered an
episode 6 months ago which included disturbed vision (flashing and roving lights
on only the right field of vision in both eyes), and transient numbness down the
right side of my body. I was admitted to casualty, suspected of having a minor
stroke. The vision problems abated, as did the numbness, but the weakness down
my right side was not resolved. I underwent both a CAT scan and an MRI. Due to
under - staffing, I only saw a student on release, who could tell me none of the
results. Subsequently, I have received a letter saying that the suspected
diagnosis is chronic daily headaches. My GP has been unable to offer any help,
and I am awaiting an appointment with a neurologist. I have now had a daily
headache for over 6 months. I also suffer from transient episodes of numbness
(both sides of my body), especially on my face. These last between 5-20 seconds.
I also experience minor problems with my language (specifically, I mean to say a
specific word, but another word comes out), and although this is minor, I feel
quite concerned about it. I have seen an ENT specialist, who found from a CAT
scan that I have blocked sinuses. I am assuming that some of the headaches could
be related to the sinuses, although the treatment for this has been successful,
and the headaches have not abated. My real concern, though, is the pain in my
eyes, especially my right one. The pain feels as if it is at the back of my eye,
and my eyes are severely bloodshot. I also have ‘floaters’ in each eye, and have
seen an optician within the last 6 months so the problem is not with my
eye/vision as such. Can you tell me if it is normal to have language problems
with headaches / migraines? Additionally, the transient numbness – how is this
related to headaches, and can I expect it to be long-lasting. Best Regards,
Tracie.
Answer:
Dear Tracie;
You've certainly been through a lot. I assume you are a right-hander and the language difficulties might represent something going on in the left side of your brain. Usually, numbness associated with a Migraine is quite fleeting, though it can outlast the headache itself. I think the ENT's efforts are largely worthless, as you have described. I would definitely get a neurologist's opinion and then seek out the local headache expert's opinion as well. There's a link below to our directory of recommended specialists.
Good luck,
Teri Robert and John Claude Krusz
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Published February 20, 2006
