Question: MRI showed 2 enlarged blood vessels. From lifelong Migraine?
Answer:
Full Question:
I am a 57 year old female, who has suffered
with migraines since 17 years of age. Since December 16, have been plagued with
daily migraines, Imitrex offers limited relief. Seizure meds seem to slow my
brain function down so much that teaching 100 4th and 5th graders science and
health becomes virtually impossible. In the past three weeks vertigo, eye pain,
blurred and double vision, and dropped eyelid have become a problem. I had an
MRI with and without contrast yesterday, as requested by my neurologist-headache
researcher Vince Martin, MD Cincinnati UC Hospital. I just spoke with him and he
reported that there appears to be two enlarged blood vessels, which usually do
not bleed and another area which is enlarged, consistent with a severe chronic
migraine history. He said no tumor, and we will talk on Tuesday. I am taking
prednisone and Baclofen, and now clotrimazole to address thrush inside cheeks,
roof of mouth, and palate. Does two enlarged blood vessels seem reasonable with
lifelong headaches? Is there a danger with these vessels developing into
something more serious? I have many food and environmental triggers which I
diligently avoid. I desire to go into this meeting with some knowledge, mostly I
desire a change to get back into my active life and eliminate migraines sucking
the joy and passion out of my life. Any suggestions in reading MRI with doctor?
This situation is making me anxious, and I desire an improvement in my day to
day situation. Thanks, Helen.
Answer:
Dear Helen;
I don't think the enlarged blood vessels are the cause or perpetuating factors (or caused by migraines) for your headache. I know Dr. Martin and he is quite a good headache specialist. A program to reduce your headaches, and give you back a large portion of the life you aren't enjoying, is a must. How to do that will be a challenge. There are many so-called seizure meds that do quite well for Migraine management. We can usually find one that doesn't have the congitive slowing effect for our patients. Another headache specialist is your area is Lisa Mannix in Cincinnati. Sometimes, second opinions are very useful.
Good luck,
Teri Robert and John Claude Krusz
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