Well after 6 months of ridiculous pain, 3 MRI's and doctors visits out the wazoo, I still don't have a clear answer. Am wondering if anyone here can help me.

It all started one morning when I was getting out of bed and realized that I could barely move. Quick called my chiro because I just thought that I was out of whack, so to say. Well he didn't help so I went to my PCP. She said I had a lower lumbar strain and sent me off with Skelaxin (muscle relaxers) and Methylprednisone (low dose of steroids). Well that worked for as long as the pills lasted. Then it was off to Physical Therapy. Tried that for nine weeks, no help. Here I am now with pain in the neck, shoulders, tingling down my left arm and leg. Weakness and pain in my left arm and leg, occasionaly going down the right side. My left leg spasms out and feels like it is always sleeping. I constantly feel like in a fog, brain farts, a little change in my speech, a floater in my left eye (never had eye problems before) and chest pains. My left hand seems to tense up and form into weird positions. Changing pages in a book with my left hand is even hard. Constantly tired, fatigue and just overall feel like everything I do is a chore. Headaches every now and then. They don't really seem to stay but throbbing pain on the left side of the head for a few minutes at a time.

Had MRI's done on the cervical, lumbar and brain....all came back normal. And the doctor claims that I have Complex Migraines. Does this sound right? You always think headaches, migraines, in the head.....but read a couple articles about migraines and I find out that it causes problems in other areas. But in this many? I do have an appt scheduled at a headache clinic next week (another doc's appt!) so we'll see what he says, but any help from this board would be appreciated. :wave:

Migraines do have a lot of symptoms that most people don't associate with what is normally classified as a "migraine". Some of the symptoms you listed above do happen with migraines, but unfortunately they also mimic other things as well.

I have some of the lessor experienced symptoms associated with migraines, but I no longer get the actual pain of the headache. I get eye disturbances, which include spots, zig zags, and what I feel is a strobe light effect. I also get total numbness in my hands, face, and mouth. My speech is effected when/if my tongue gets numb. A couple of the migraines that I have had were bad enough that I was unable to remember some words and names that I was trying to say. That has only happened a couple times, but was scary. I have also had the spacey feeling after an event.

Are these symptoms that you mention constant, or do they come in episodes?

You didn't mention your age, or sex but a lot of your symptoms seem more like classic perimenopause/menopause or hormone imbalance symptoms. Especially the tingling, weakness, brain fog, and fatigue. Migraines can be associated with menopause too.

Migraines can be difficult to diagnose conclusively. It's often a frustrating, and frightening journey. Lots of the symptoms of a migraine are the same as a stroke or TIA, so they should never be ignored. I would suggest seeing a neurologist who specializes in migraines.

Best wishes,
Sandi

Sandi-

Well to start off I am a 25 year old woman, although sometimes I don't feel like one. But I'm thinking it's not menopause :) or for god sakes I sure hope not!!

My symptoms at this point seem more constant. I'm focusing more on what I'm saying and my left leg is constantly hurting along with the left arm. There are times where I seem to be off balance. That "weird" feeling, like something isn't right. Everything seems funny almost to the point where I don't feel like I'm really there. Sounds kind of weird but explaining it is hard.

I did go see my regular PCP this morning and she has referred me to a Rheumatologist for CFS/Fibromyalgia. But I do have an appt at a headache clinic next week. So more doc's appts, but I really don't mind at this point because I really just want an answer.

Thanks again for your response and wishes to you
Jaime

Jaime,

I certainly hope you are able to find some answers to your symptoms. I think I understand that "weird" feeling you are talking about. Before my eye disturbances start I get an aura that makes me feel similar to that. It's a strange feeling that I've never been able to explain very well either. Sometimes it makes my hand look like it's being moved by someone else. Like I'm disassociated with it. I actually get scared if away from a familiar environment when I start getting that weird feeling. Fortunately, it doesn't last very long before it progresses into the other symptoms.

Because of your age, I doubt that it's menopause related. Many women start getting their first symptoms in their 30's, even though they don't associate it with being hormonal at the time. It's funny though...most all of your symptoms sounded just like perimenopause, or hormone imbalance. The women over on that board discribe almost everyone of those symptoms you listed.

I'm sorry that you are having to deal with this on a constant basis, and hope you can find some answers and relief. It's frustrating and scary not to know what is happening to your body.

Best wishes,
Sandi