[28F] Experiencing severe migraines with neurological symptoms

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female presents with severe migraines and neck pain persisting for the past four days, occurring several times a month. Accompanying symptoms include vision loss and pain, cognitive changes, difficulty speaking and forming words, weakness, and numbness in the left arm. The speech difficulties developed gradually, and the patient reports feeling shaky and constantly tired. Migraines are exacerbated by bright lights, loud noises, and stress. The patient also experiences balance and coordination difficulties and changes in vision, such as double vision or loss of vision in one eye. There is no known family history of stroke or neurological conditions due to being adopted. The patient's medical history includes ADHD, diagnosed at age 9, and current medications include Adderall 20 mg twice daily, Wellbutrin 300 mg once daily, and frequent use of Naproxen and Tylenol. No known allergies.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few serious conditions that could be causing your symptoms:

  1. Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): The combination of weakness and numbness in your left arm, trouble speaking, cognitive changes, and vision issues could indicate a stroke or TIA. These occur when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to potential brain damage. Immediate medical attention is crucial to minimize long-term effects.

  2. Migraine with Aura: While migraines are common, the severity and additional symptoms like vision loss, cognitive changes, and speech difficulties could suggest a migraine with aura. However, given the severity and combination of your symptoms, it's important to rule out more serious conditions first.

  3. Cervical Artery Dissection: This is a tear in one of the major arteries in your neck, which can lead to stroke-like symptoms. It can cause neck pain, headache, and neurological symptoms like those you're experiencing.

  4. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Although less likely, MS can cause neurological symptoms such as vision problems, weakness, and cognitive changes.

It's important to seek immediate medical attention to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. A healthcare professional may recommend imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI, blood tests, and possibly a neurological examination to diagnose your condition accurately.

What you can do

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the seriousness of your symptoms, it's crucial to visit an emergency room or urgent care facility as soon as possible. If you are unable to get there yourself, please call 911 or have someone take you.

  2. Monitor Symptoms: While waiting for medical care, keep track of any changes in your symptoms, such as worsening weakness, increased difficulty speaking, or changes in vision. This information can be helpful for healthcare providers.

  3. Avoid Triggers: Since bright lights, loud noises, and stress worsen your migraines, try to stay in a calm, dark, and quiet environment until you can receive medical care.

  4. Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids and resting as much as possible, but prioritize getting medical help.

Remember, while this information can help you understand potential causes, only a healthcare professional can provide a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Please seek care immediately.

Show More

2
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

26 d ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a migraine with aura?

Common symptoms of a migraine with aura include visual disturbances such as seeing flashes of light or blind spots, tingling sensations in the arms or face, difficulty speaking, and other sensory changes. These symptoms usually precede the headache phase of a migraine.

How can I differentiate between a migraine and a stroke?

While both migraines and strokes can cause headaches and neurological symptoms, strokes often cause sudden and severe symptoms like weakness or numbness on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking, and vision problems. Migraines with aura typically have a gradual onset of symptoms and are often accompanied by a throbbing headache.

What is cervical artery dissection and what symptoms should I look for?

Cervical artery dissection is a tear in one of the major arteries in the neck, which can lead to stroke-like symptoms. Symptoms to watch for include sudden neck pain, headache, dizziness, vision changes, and neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness.

Can ADHD medications like Adderall and Wellbutrin affect migraine symptoms?

ADHD medications like Adderall and Wellbutrin can potentially affect migraine symptoms. Stimulants like Adderall may increase the frequency or severity of migraines in some individuals, while Wellbutrin, an antidepressant, can sometimes help with migraine prevention. It's important to discuss any medication concerns with a healthcare provider.

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback