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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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