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Cervical MRI, migraines

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Migraine Headache
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Posted 9/28/2006 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
I went to a pain specialist yesterday, she gave me 9 trigger point injections, wants me to have a cervical MRI on Friday, I'm very worried, does anyone know if you can have lesions from MS on your spine and get migraines, or are they usually on your brain in MS/migraines.  My brain MRI was normal, have had migraines for 8 years, developed facial tingling after 2 years, thats the reason for the brain MRI, my gram was diagnosed with MS at age 60, sometimes I wonder if she didn't have Lyme disease, and not MS, her symptoms weren't the norm for MS.  She also prescribed 25 mg. Topamax, I'm not a pill person, but have to try something, I have migraine symptoms (aura) just about everyday, with no headache.  My neuro said its called central sensitization, and a migraine preventative med would work better with this type of migraine than an abortive.  Usually when I get the migraine, it lasts for 4-5 days.  Not fun.  My migraines are in my neck, back of skull, and sometimes radiates to above my eyebrow, my ear will hurt, and sometimes my nose will run.  Any thoughts would be great!!  Topamax, is there any really bad side effects?  She told me to take them at night, may cause drowsiness.  Thanks!!! confused
Posted 9/28/2006 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jenny,

As far as I understand it Migraine does not show up on an MRI scan. The MRI is usually done to rule out any other nasties! MS however, does show up on an MRI. Have you posted in the MS forum and asked folk there for their experiences?

I have not taken Topamax myself, but I understand it can cause drowsiness especially for the first few weeks. I know it is also important to drink a lot whilst on Topamax to prevent kidney problems.

I do hope you can get some real relief soon, take care

Ann
Posted 9/29/2006 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jenny, I've been taking Topamax since June 06.  The migraines are less frequent and not as bad.  I take 25mg a.m. & 50mg at night. My first week, the side effects were pretty intense, brain fog, dopey, tired, and it makes coke taste really bad.  Everyone is different and you may not experience any.  I would ask doc if you could start every other night for a week or so taking the 25mg. until you see how you do with it.  Best wishes..........
Posted 10/6/2006 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Well I had the cervical MRI done last Friday, just got the results, a slight herniated disk at C-3, C-4, not pinching no nerve, spinal canal great, so why do I still have these strange neckaches/headaches?  I thought that maybe a pinched nerve in the neck was causing my facial tingling.  Well, I guess its not.  So now I have a script to start for Topomax, I hate pills.  I have been so worried and upset the last 6 years, my nervous sysytem is all keyed up.  I can't handle this facial tingling, I also get tingling in my upper back, and upper legs.  Neuro thinks that its migrainish.  Said that I need to break the migraine cycyle, and thats why he is prescribing the meds.  I hope this works, I don't know where to turn from here.  Does anyone else have symptoms like this?  Everyday?  With no headache, or sometimes maybe just a dull headache?  Please let me know if you do, I'm really concerned.  I was concerned about MS, so now I've had the brain MRI w/ contrast, and a cervical MRI, no lesions there, I really don't want the lumbar puncture.  Please, say a prayer for me, and hope that this Topomax is the solution, I'm tired of worrying, the anxiety is getting the best of me.  Thanks, love and prayers, jen

Posted 10/7/2006 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jenny,

I get some face tingling in an attack, but it is usually with pain. Please try hard not to worry, I know that is easy for me to say, but in my experience the more I worry the more I get a symptom that I may be concerned about. It's totally understandable that you are anxious about your heads, but maybe now is the time to take things one day at a time and see if the Topamax does help you.

I will most certainly pray for you that you will find peace in this situation as well as relief!

Maybe you could help me with something, I am going into hospital on Wednesday for an MRI with contrast amongst other tests. I have had MRI's before, but my question is, does the contrast have any effect on you? Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

take care

Ann
Posted 10/9/2006 1:37 PM (GMT 0)
Ann,

Just a heads up on the MRI with contrast. While I are getting it, it makes me feel warm and give a metalic taste. However, everytime that I have had contrast it always triggers a migraine at some point that day. Any kind of surgical anestesia has the same affect with me. Good luck on your test!

Spayne
Posted 10/9/2006 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for that spayne

take care

Ann
Posted 10/9/2006 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Annuk, I never had any problem with the contrast, the tech told me that it is all natural.  I didn't feel nothing but the pinch from the needle.  As far as my facial tingling, it is now like a prickly feeling, I think alot of this is caused by anxiety.  I don't know what to do next, maybe I will try the Topomax, to see if it makes a difference.  Take care

Posted 10/10/2006 5:55 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for that Jenny. You are right about the anxiety making the situation worse. I wish you well with the Topamax, let us know how you get on.

take care

Ann
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