Cva, Tia Or Migrane

kmchugh · Apr 21, 2003

How well do you know this Internalist? I have not heard of migraines causing the symptoms you describe, but then I don't deal much with migraines.

I think in any event, given your wife's history, I'd be looking for a second opinion.

Kevin McHugh

debi87021 · Apr 21, 2003

Originally posted by kmchugh
How well do you know this Internalist? I have not heard of migraines causing the symptoms you describe, but then I don't deal much with migraines.

I think in any event, given your wife's history, I'd be looking for a second opinion.

Kevin McHugh

MUCH MUCH agreed. I work ER, see many with migraines. NEVER once with hemiparisis. Obviously sounds more like TIA, but that is as one nurse to another. I would seek second opinion.

jenac · Apr 21, 2003

I agree- get a second opinon. If for no other reason than just d/t history. It sounds like a TIA-the symptoms and the rapid recovery. Be on the safe(er) side-get the second opinon. If he was right- great. If not- good catch.

scrubs70 · Apr 21, 2003

thanks for replies folks, it certainly seemed strange so I have called doctor and insisted on MRI scan of brain and have asked to have a referral to a specialist

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2003

Complicated migraines can mimic CVAs. I've seen that diagnosed in several patients. First thought is a CVA of course, they would work the patient up for CVA then if no CVA is found consider migraine based on symptoms, history, etc. I can remember patients with left sided facial droop and numbness. Typical stroke right? Not necessarily.

Put "complicated migraine" into a search engine, as well as "hemiplegic migraine" and see what you get.

Here's one article I found.

http://www.achenet.org/kids/hemi.php

pickledpepperRN · Apr 21, 2003

I get migraines so have read all I could find about them. I also read about such symptoms. (Imitrex is a miracle for mine).

That said I would do as you and your wife are doing. See a neurologist and have an MRI, CT, any possible test recommended.

My family pradtice sent me for testing at age 42 years afterthe migraine diagnosis. Made me feel better, except for the cost (HMO would not pay because the result was negative.)

jemb · Apr 21, 2003

Even if migraine is a possibility, it just seems prudent to do more of a work-up with her history of CVA. I'm glad you're following up with a specialist referral. Please let us know how she is doing.

Shamrock, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2003

Several years ago I was putting in some low voltage lighting at our lake home. While reading the directions I could recognize syllables, but putting the syllables together to make words, I could not make sense of the directions. Upon looking out at the scenery out side it had the appearance of the signs which have panels that turn to make different pictures or messages. No drooping of mouth, or weakness of one side, but it sure scared the B.Jesus out of me. I went in to see the doctor and he said I had experienced an "Atypical Migraine" I thought he was full of bull because it sure seemed what I had been taught resembled TIAs. Now I don't know. No further episodes have occured. MoJoe RN,C

scrubs70 · Apr 21, 2003

thankyou everyone for your valued input.

MRI will be conducted today so I will keep you informed

thanks for the link tweety it was most informative

:)

Flynurse · Apr 21, 2003

I had a supervisor whose wife (working as Nurse administrator in another hospital) suffered from the very similar symptoms, only they first thought it was an MI d/t sweating, pain/weakness on her right side, etc. But all tests were negative and the conclusion was that she was only having a migraine. She since has had no residual symptoms or affects.

But I agree with everyone else...Get a SECOND opinion.

RyanRN · Apr 21, 2003

Just had a bout with a 3 day migraine so I was surfing WEBMD.com and found this information (never heard it before either). Hope it helps.

"Rare migraine conditions include these types of neurological auras:

Hemiplegic migraine: temporary paralysis (hemiplegia) or nerve or sensory changes on one side of the body (such as muscle weakness). The onset of the headache may be associated with temporary numbness, dizziness, or vision changes. " WEBMD.COM