Persistent Migraine Lasting Nearly Three Weeks
Subject: 29 weeks pregnant, 5'6", 260 lbs, located in the Northeastern United States. For context, I have experienced migraines in the past, which diminished after I stopped taking birth control a year ago. Up until this pregnancy, I only encountered a couple of brief migraines. Between 2021 and 2024, I was prescribed 200-300mg of Zonisamide to manage my migraine episodes. Currently, I am on day 16 of a migraine. Initially, the pain was intermittent, fading for several hours at a time, but it has turned constant over the last five days, progressively intensifying. The discomfort manifests as sharp pain localized in specific areas: the back right side of my head, near my right ear, occasionally at the top right, and sometimes behind my right eye. I am experiencing visual disturbances, seeing white spots and blurred vision—not double vision, but rather a lack of focus. Over the past five days, I have also begun to feel numbness and tingling on the right side of my face. I went to Labor and Delivery because I was worried it might relate to blood pressure issues or pre-eclampsia. I was subsequently admitted to the antepartum unit for about 24 hours. My blood pressure was recorded as low-normal, and I will include my lab results. I also underwent an MRI, the results of which I will share. During my stay, they administered the following treatments: - 1000mg of Tylenol every six hours - 800mg of Mag-Ox daily - Fioricet upon my initial arrival - Sumatriptan an hour after receiving Fioricet - Possibly 50mg of Benadryl every six hours, though I’m not entirely certain of the dosage None of these medications provided relief; my pain persists at an 8/10. I chose to leave rather than remain in the hospital as a test subject for treatments that only seemed to induce drowsiness and anxiety. The neurology team reviewed my condition alongside the MRI results, suggesting additional caffeine, 1000mg of Keppra, and a dose of Dexamethasone. I opted against these treatments before my discharge. Is it advisable for me to return to the hospital if the migraine does not subside? At home, I am relying on Benadryl, magnesium, and Tylenol, but the relief is minimal. The neurologist appeared unconcerned about the MRI findings. Should I consider seeking further imaging to assess my condition?
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 2:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a very challenging situation with your migraine, especially given your pregnancy. Persistent migraines, particularly with accompanying symptoms like visual disturbances and numbness, warrant careful attention.
Key Points:
- Continuous Migraine Symptoms: You have had a migraine for 16 days, now constant, with significant pain and concerning neurological symptoms.
- Symptoms of Concern: Your symptoms, including the numbness, tingling, and visual changes, could indicate a more serious underlying issue that should be addressed, especially given your pregnancy.
Explanation:
Migraines can sometimes evolve in character and intensity, especially during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. However, the presence of persistent numbness and visual disturbances raises the level of concern. These may be signs that should not be ignored, as they could indicate potential complications that require immediate evaluation.
Next Steps:
-
Return to the Hospital: Given the persistence and severity of your symptoms, I recommend returning to the hospital for further evaluation. Consider that your current pain level at 8/10 is significant, and your accompanying symptoms of numbness and visual disturbances are important indicators that something more serious may be happening.
-
Communicate Clearly: When you return, articulate your symptoms clearly, particularly the severity of your pain, the duration of your migraine, and the new symptoms (numbness, tingling, and visual changes). This will help the medical team assess your condition appropriately.
-
Do Not Delay: Don't hesitate to seek care, as addressing these symptoms sooner rather than later may lead to more effective treatment and avoid complications.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of your symptoms, noting when they worsen or when new symptoms arise. This information will be valuable for healthcare providers.
Additional Support:
Be sure to have a support system in place as you navigate this situation. Migraines can be exhausting physically and emotionally, and having someone to assist you or accompany you to the hospital can be beneficial.
Your health and well-being, especially during pregnancy, are very important. Don’t hesitate to seek the help you deserve.
Related Questions
Persistent Itching and Burning Around Neck and Scalp - Should I Keep Using Cephalexin?
Greetings, I’m a 35-year-old female. I recently developed a rash that began on the back of my neck and subsequently spread to my ears. After consulting with my physician, I was prescribed ketoconazole shampoo to address a suspected fungal rash. Despite using it diligently for four days, the condition actually aggravated, affecting my ears, the back of my neck, and my scalp more significantly. Seeking further assistance, I visited an urgent care facility where the medical staff suggested that I might be experiencing bacterial folliculitis. As a result, they prescribed cephalexin, which I am to take at a dosage of 500mg three times daily for a week. I took my first dose yesterday, yet the intense itching and burning sensations persist without improvement. Is it advisable for me to continue the medication? How long does it typically take to see improvement? Is it common to experience these symptoms alongside bacterial folliculitis? I appreciate your time and any guidance you can provide on this matter!
Concerns About Hearing Loss After Extended Earphone Use
For the past two and a half years, I have primarily relied on in-ear earphones, with the right one typically experiencing less usage—mostly for short videos or brief instances. Recently, during a singing session, I noticed something unusual. I covered one ear to monitor my pitch, and I was surprised to find that my hearing felt unclear and somewhat muffled. This was an experience I hadn’t recognized before. After conducting a few tests by alternately covering each ear, I discovered that my left ear can hear clearly and accurately, while my right ear perceives sounds as muffled, as if there’s a barrier in front of the speaker. I’m seeking advice as a 17-year-old student from Pune, India, with financial constraints that prevent me from adding stress to my parents. I’m deeply concerned whether this issue could be permanent, and if there’s any possibility of recovery. Although I can still hear sounds from my right ear when they are very close, I am unsure of the next steps. I have made the decision to discontinue using earphones starting today, but I’m wondering what additional measures I should take. Would it be advisable to pursue an audiometry test or consult an audiologist for a professional evaluation?
Experiencing Headaches and Vision Changes on One Side
Hello, I'm an 18-year-old female, and I've been on a 15mg dose of Isotretinoin for my acne treatment for about a month now. Recently, I've been feeling under the weather, dealing with a viral infection that resembles cold or flu symptoms. I've got the usual problems like nasal congestion and a throat that hurts, but I've also noticed some joint discomfort, a sense of mental cloudiness, and an unsettling change in my vision, making it appear distorted as if seen through a low-resolution lens. Additionally, when I change my position from sitting to standing, there's an intense throbbing sensation on the right side of my head, accompanied by a momentary blackout in my right eye. I must admit, my nutritional intake has not been great lately due to feeling fatigued from the cold, and this has been accompanied by headaches and a notable darkening of my vision when I stand, which is something I've never before experienced just on one side until now. I tend to get quite anxious about my health, so I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has encountered similar symptoms with a cold, or if this could be associated with the Isotretinoin I'm taking? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
Concerns Regarding Neck Pain After Lifting Incident
I’m a 27-year-old man, standing at 174 cm and weighing 63 kg, residing in Australia. Earlier today, I attempted to lift a heavy case using only one hand. Unfortunately, I didn't realize it was unlatched, and when it opened unexpectedly, I felt significant stress in my lower neck and upper shoulder area. Approximately four hours later, I began to experience a pulsating discomfort on the left side of my neck, extending from beneath my ear down towards my collarbone. I have a medical background of neurological issues related to my vision, along with episodes of facial drooping that are currently under investigation. After the initial neck discomfort (which subsided quickly), I noticed a resurgence of blurriness in my vision. Could this incident have caused an injury to my neck that might be aggravating my neurological symptoms? Is there a chance that this situation could be a vascular emergency?
Seeking Relief from Migraines: Any Suggestions?
Hello everyone, I'm feeling quite unwell due to a persistent migraine that seems unbearable at the moment. I've attempted various remedies, but nothing seems to alleviate my discomfort, so I'm open to any suggestions you might have! For some context, I'm an 18-year-old female, weighing 44 kilograms and standing at 157 centimeters tall. Although I smoke on occasion, I make an effort to maintain good hydration and a nutritious diet. I hope this information assists you in providing helpful advice!