Should I Be Worried About These Symptoms?
At 28 years old, I have been suffering from persistent headaches and migraines that have lasted for 15 years. It all began with a single headache that has since become a constant presence in my life. My initial MRI, taken shortly after the onset of my headaches, revealed a few spots in the central region of my brain. The doctor explained that these irregularities were likely related to my condition, allowing me to view the scan for further understanding, and I was sent home with a copy of the images. A few years later, I underwent a second MRI. Although I didn’t get to review the results, I was informed that they appeared similar to the previous one. Years passed, and a new neurologist prescribed Emgality for migraine relief, which significantly reduced the frequency of my headaches. However, as time went on, the effectiveness of the treatment diminished, leading my neurologist to transition me to Qulipta. I have now been on Qulipta for six months, but unfortunately, it hasn’t helped alleviate my daily headaches, and I continue to experience at least one migraine each week. In recent years, I’ve noticed additional troubling symptoms that I suspect may be associated with my migraines, and I am unsure whether they warrant concern. These symptoms include: - Daily ear ringing, often accompanied by pressure on the right side of my head and temporary hearing loss in that ear. - Episodes of dizziness when standing, frequently with accompanying vision and hearing disturbances, along with muscle fatigue (this new symptom has emerged within the past 2-3 months). - Instances of memory problems, including difficulty constructing sentences or recalling words, and sometimes struggling to comprehend spoken language, which often sounds nonsensical to me. - Vision disturbances caused by bright lights that impair my ability to see, which I understand can be a migraine symptom, but it sometimes occurs independently of a migraine. I've observed that these symptoms have become more severe and frequent over the last year. When I discussed my concerns with my neurologist, they simply attributed these issues to migraine symptoms and switched my medication to Ajovy, which I have yet to try, following the recent cessation of Qulipta. An additional incident that may hold significance occurred around the onset of my headaches. During a day spent with a friend, while we were laughing and enjoying ourselves, I suddenly felt the right side of my face droop. I calmly stated that I thought I might be having a stroke. Although I’m uncertain if that was indeed a stroke, it was a bizarre experience that hasn’t reoccurred since. Currently, my medications include Apri birth control and marijuana. I am increasingly worried about the rapid progression of my symptoms, but I feel uncertain about how to proceed regarding medical consultations or necessary tests. I do have an MRI scheduled for next month, which I hope will shed more light on my situation.
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 2:40:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel worried given the persistence and evolution of your symptoms over the years. You've been managing a challenging situation with migraines and now have additional symptoms that are causing you concern. Here’s a concise breakdown of your situation and actionable steps you can take.
Main Points
- Your long history of migraines and recent troubling symptoms—ear ringing, dizziness, memory issues, and vision disturbances—should not be ignored.
- While your neurologist attributed some symptoms to migraines, it's important to actively monitor these changes and discuss them further.
- You have an upcoming MRI scheduled, which is a key step in understanding your condition better.
Explanation
Headaches, especially chronic migraines, can sometimes be associated with various neurological symptoms. The ear ringing (tinnitus), dizziness, memory concerns, and visual disturbances could relate to your migraine condition but also warrant further investigation to rule out other potential issues.
The drooping of your face during an episode raises a concern about transient neurological events. While it may not represent a stroke, it’s certainly notable and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Next Steps
-
Keep a Symptom Diary:
- Track the frequency, duration, and intensity of your headaches and all other symptoms. Document when they occur and any possible triggers (like stress, diet, or sleep patterns). This can be helpful for your next appointment.
-
Prepare for Your Upcoming MRI:
- List any questions or concerns you have to discuss with your neurologist after your MRI results come in. Consider asking specifically about the new symptoms (ear ringing, dizziness, memory issues) and their potential connection to your headaches.
-
Discuss Medication Effectiveness:
- Since you've noticed decreased effectiveness with Qulipta and are transitioning to Ajovy, keep an open line of communication with your neurologist about your experiences with each medication.
-
Address New Symptoms:
- If your symptoms worsen before your MRI, be proactive about reaching out to your healthcare provider. Make sure they are fully aware of the new changes in your health.
-
Seek a Second Opinion (if necessary):
- If you feel your concerns are being overlooked or not taken seriously, consider consulting another neurologist for a second opinion.
-
Self-Care and Management:
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule, stay hydrated, and consider relaxation techniques (like mindfulness or yoga) to manage stress, which can exacerbate migraines.
Final Thoughts
Your health concerns are valid, and keeping a proactive approach towards tracking your symptoms and communicating with your healthcare team is essential. You're taking the right steps by scheduling an MRI, and preparing for that discussion will be key in getting the help you need. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and it’s important to advocate for your own health. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further assistance!
Related Questions
Concerns Regarding Neurological Health
Hello! I received an epilepsy diagnosis back in 2008, and throughout this time, various MRI and CT imaging studies have indicated issues related to cerebral function and encephalopathy. Despite consulting multiple neurologists over the years, I’ve found that none of them appear worried about the encephalopathy aspect. Shouldn’t this be something to take more seriously? My cognitive abilities, including memory and vision, have noticeably deteriorated as time has passed. I’m feeling lost since my previous neurologists have not acknowledged my concerns adequately. If anyone could offer guidance or suggest resources, I would greatly appreciate it. In addition to epilepsy, my other medical conditions include Narcolepsy, Lynch Syndrome, Migraines, a mutation associated with HLA-B27, and Hashimoto's disease, along with others that escape me for the moment. Currently, I’m on a medication regimen that includes Lamictal, Xcopri, Hydroxyzine, Solifenacin, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Sunosi, Aimovig, and Famotidine.
Navigating the Complexity of Symptoms: Is It PCOS or Something Else?
While I’m not an expert in self-diagnosis, I find myself puzzled by an array of symptoms that overlap, making it challenging to pinpoint what might be affecting my health. Let's break down my situation: - Age: 25 years, Gender: Female, Height: 5’1”, Weight: 125 lbs. - The last menstruation occurred in June 2024. Prior to this, my menstrual cycle was remarkably consistent since I was around 12 years old, typically without severe premenstrual symptoms, heavy flow, or irregularities. - Various blood tests over time reveal that most hormone levels fall within normal ranges, with the exception of estradiol (persistently between 10-20) and progesterone (remaining below 0.2). - A couple of results raised some concerns for me personally, even if my doctors weren’t alarmed: my morning cortisol was measured at 13.4 and in the afternoon at 9.49. One test indicated a TSH level of 2.35, which increased to 3.93 months later. My fasting glucose consistently hovers around 80, whereas random glucose levels were recorded at 68, and postprandial glucose was 65. - An MRI indicated a "deviation of the pituitary stalk, potentially linked to a small pituitary adenoma." - An ultrasound revealed "multiple oval, well-defined, anechoic images with posterior acoustic enhancement, measuring a few millimeters, located around the edges of the stroma." - The symptoms I am experiencing include disrupted sleep (frequent awakenings, particularly around 3 AM, making it hard to resume sleep), lack of energy, difficulty in weight management, persistent hunger, heightened anxiety, and hair thinning. - Birth control (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) exacerbated nearly all of my symptoms, leading me to discontinue use after two weeks despite experiencing a withdrawal bleed. - My lifestyle is generally healthy; I consume a lot of whole foods, engage in weightlifting, and run regularly. Given that I’ve received a diagnosis of PCOS, I’m wondering if this assessment seems accurate. What options do I have moving forward, especially since the contraceptive method didn’t provide relief and I appear to exhibit signs of additional complications such as thyroid issues or cortisol dysregulation?
Understanding My Experience with Overdose-Related Symptoms and Behavior
25 years old, 165 cm tall, and weighing 70 kg. Summary: After sharing a complaint about my interactions with paramedics, I've taken a moment to reflect on their feedback and review the situation through the footage. I recognize that my conduct during those moments was inappropriate, and I am filled with remorse. Subsequently, I have retracted my complaint and am now seeking mental health support. I desire to clarify certain aspects since my medical records do not completely align with what I went through. Below, I detail my symptoms. Yesterday, I made a post on the AskDoctors forum, hoping for insights regarding my condition. The advice I received prompted a self-realization that had evaded me until now. Initially, I was outlining a grievance against paramedics who doubted the legitimacy of my seizures and accused me of feigning the experience. My response was not only disproportionate but also hostile—I yelled, wept, and labeled them as heartless. Such reactions were completely unwarranted and unjustifiable. Ultimately, I was physically stable, with vital signs indicating no critical issues; there were only temporary fluctuations in my blood work, which shouldn’t have raised alarms. I feel profound regret over my conduct during that encounter. Watching the footage incites feelings of self-disgust. I’ve decided to withdraw my complaints and am committed to mental health resources. I opted to delete my previous post since it contained sensitive information about my professional and educational background; I was worried it might provoke disciplinary action from my university, which I cherish as my career gives my life meaning. I admit to feeling cowardly in this respect. The initial reason for my inquiry was a desperate need for clarity about the symptoms I experienced, as my discharge documentation omits much of what transpired in the hospital and the subsequent three days. I greatly value the input I’ve received and hope to gather more perspectives. I fully acknowledge my wrongdoings and find my previous behavior abhorrent. I understand how challenging it is for emergency personnel to fulfill their duties when faced with such a situation. I’ve discussed with family and friends the importance of exercising discretion when contacting emergency services and ensuring it’s truly necessary. I regret taking up valuable resources that could have been reserved for individuals in genuine need of urgent care. My actions were shameful, not just for me but also for my colleagues who work in emergency services; I genuinely believe the clinicians should have distanced themselves from my case entirely. I've canceled my appointment with the neurologist, but I would genuinely appreciate insights from others on this subject. Could excessive doses of sertraline, propranolol, promethazine, and alcohol induce psychological seizures? Is it possible for these seizures to recur? Were my hallucinations indicative of some kind of psychosis? During the episodes, I saw hair-like formations everywhere and everything seemed to emit a blue glow. In the hospital, I consistently perceived doctors passing by. At home, the LED lights appeared to move, and I often caught glimpses of faces in my peripheral vision. There were also auditory experiences, such as hearing things that weren’t present, as confirmed by my friend. Initially at home, I was unaware I was having seizures, although I did hear police officers numbering them and acknowledging them as such. I had three episodes where I was placed in the recovery position. In my medical notes, I mentioned experiencing ten seizures throughout the night, though I can’t verify this. I was seemingly in a continuous cycle of them. I recall at least once drooling uncontrollably and my hands looked peculiar; on one occasion, I screamed when I regained consciousness due to an awkward hand position. I also experienced significant neck pain and discomfort in my feet. I know I fell twice while hospitalized; fortunately, my mother was there to catch me each time, so I avoided serious injury. I was never alone in the facility. Everything seemed to settle down after approximately three days, right around my third visit. I recall a persistent ache at the nape of my neck that left me feeling drowsy, often drifting in and out of consciousness and repeatedly asking for the time. It was a never-ending ordeal, and although I had little appetite, I did not vomit at all. Reflecting on this whole episode leaves me feeling as if it were entirely fabricated. I struggle to articulate it. Conversations about care options unfolded around me, yet I grasped little of what was being discussed. I often replied with “yes” or sought validation from my mother. I remember thinking it was remarkable that my mum had glasses with water in them; I even imagined one of my cats perched on my aunt’s shoulder. Overall, it felt akin to a terrifying drug experience. I do have videos capturing my behavior at home, though I cannot recall anything from the hospital. I often awakened with either my mother, aunt, or medical staff restraining me. Could it all stem from psychological causes? Is it possible that the medications led to a psychotic episode where I convinced myself I was experiencing seizures and on the brink of death? After they subsided, I felt like an automaton for weeks, plagued by involuntary muscle jerks—primarily in my legs and neck. I sincerely hope these symptoms do not return. I intend to avoid emergency care unless it’s absolutely necessary. I seek nothing more than to comprehend what transpired. Thank you for your thoughts.
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Seeking Clarity on My Spinal Tap Results: A Bit Anxious
I am a 31-year-old woman experiencing a continuous headache for the past four months, accompanied by feelings of nausea and exhaustion. I take Lexapro each day to manage my mental health. I have a history of migraines and headaches, but this recent episode doesn't align with my previous experiences. Here are the findings from my spinal tap: - **Opening Pressure of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)**: 9 cm H₂O - **Presence of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in CSF**: 2,570 - **Total Protein Level in CSF**: 107 mg/dL - **ACE Level in CSF**: 4.4 - **Other Tests on CSF**: Results were normal. - **Brain MRI and MR Venography**: Both tests yielded normal results. - **Blood Test Results**: Normal results were obtained. Given these results, I'm feeling a bit uneasy and I’m hoping to better understand what they might indicate about my health.