Experiencing Severe Migraines and Hallucinations
I have been dealing with a chronic migraine disorder classified as F45, along with a clipped aneurysm and potential nerve damage resulting from a craniotomy. Additionally, I suffer from ITP, pernicious anemia, and some hemiplegic tendencies. Lately, I've been experiencing spasms in my right shoulder, and my arm tends to lock up. Right now, I'm waiting for an MRI to get a clearer picture of my condition. On an unrelated note, I had a dental procedure on Tuesday to extract a root from my gum – only part of it was removed since the other half was too close to my sinus. The following day, I noticed swelling and bruising on the right side of my face, which my doctor diagnosed as a hematoma. Luckily, it’s gradually starting to fade. On Friday, I awoke with an intense pain in my skull that was nerve-related, but it escalated into one of the worst migraines I've encountered in a long time, and I experience them routinely. Saturday was a total write-off as I was confined to bed due to extreme light sensitivity and neck pain, compounded with the discomfort on my right side, which often feels weak. (The discomfort on my right side isn’t related to the clip.) Now it’s Monday, and none of the medications I’ve taken seem to provide any relief. I don't believe my condition warrants an emergency department visit, especially with the current health crises likely causing them to send me home stating it’s just a headache, which makes sense given that it’s not life-threatening. Nonetheless, I’m feeling immense pain, nausea, and significant discomfort on my right side. My aura has also shifted – instead of my usual heat waves, it now manifests as zigzag patterns. I have attempted treatments including triptans, ibuprofen, and panadol, and I've been staying hydrated and spending time in the shower. Now, onto something unusual - I’m not having full-blown hallucinations, but I do experience strange snippets that feel oddly familiar, as if they’ve happened before or akin to a dream. For instance, I wanted to take a walk, but mentally I pictured myself walking around the block multiple times without actually doing so. It’s a fragmented experience, and while I can rationally acknowledge that it's not real, it still feels disorienting. Could these episodes be linked to my migraines? Also, is there any potential risk associated with the hematoma in my cheek? Thank you very much for any insights you can provide!
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 4:40:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you've been experiencing such challenging symptoms. It sounds like you're managing a complex health situation with migraines, a recent dental procedure, and other concerning symptoms. Let's break down your main concerns and focus on actionable steps you can take for relief.
Key Points:
- Your severe migraines, the new pattern of aura, and episodes of altered perception could be interrelated.
- The hematoma you have from your dental procedure generally poses a low risk but should still be monitored.
- Your right-side discomfort and spasms are concerning, especially given your history and should be tracked closely.
Explanation:
Migraines & Altered Perception
Migraine types vary, and changes in aura or additional neurological symptoms like the fragmentary experiences you describe can occur. These may indicate that your migraines are evolving or that there may be other underlying neurological factors at play.
Hematoma Risks
Generally, a hematoma from a dental procedure is not life-threatening. However, monitor for any increasing pain, swelling, or fever, as these can indicate infection or other complications.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Monitoring: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting the frequency and intensity of migraines, any new changes to aura, spasms, or episodes of altered perception. This will be valuable for your upcoming MRI and any future consultations.
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Pain Management:
- Continue with hydration and, if tolerable, apply a cold compress to your forehead and neck to help with migraine pain and any swelling from the hematoma.
- Consider discussing with your healthcare provider about trying alternative treatments for migraine relief, such as preventive medications or therapies like nerve blocks or acupuncture, especially since standard medications have been insufficient.
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Emergency Signs: Although you feel that a visit to the emergency department isn't warranted, be vigilant for warning signs such as:
- Significant worsening of right-sided weakness.
- Severe headache changes that differ from your usual migraines.
- Signs of infection in the hematoma area, like increased swelling, redness, or fever.
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Follow-Up: Ensure you discuss the new experiences of altered perception with your healthcare team, as they may require additional evaluation to rule out other neurological concerns.
Reach out anytime you need to discuss further, and take care of yourself as you navigate through this challenging time.
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