this is really scaring me?

Question

I am 36, female and generally healthy. For the last week i have had a numbness in my left hand (esp fingertips). Last night i had a feeling of sickness,a hot sensation sweeping up my arm and like a pressure headache, even my gums were hurting and my vision went like i was looking through a tunnel. The doctor told me this morning that i have migraine. but for a week????

Also, there is a horrid metal taste in my mouth

Yes metal, as if i have had coins in my mouth

Answer 1

Demand a second opinion. Positive note I had similar symptoms for years rarely a day off. I had a brain scan, a EEG and other tests turns out I have hemiplegic migraines - very scary. I have an aura with mine - a bad taste often triggered by what I eat or smell. Gloss paint sends me off my legs for up to 2 weeks. I was investigated for having a stroke! Go back an see your Dr if symptoms don't improve and demand further tests! Have allergy/ sensitivity tests done, mine showed my triggers as being corn, melon, larger etc. I changed my diet and took FEVER FEW natural health supps and have made a fantastic recovery, with the occasional relapse. I f your symptoms are new to you and you have had no further investigations than a DR appointment, go back and demand more. Take a friend or relative with you if your reluctant to push the issue. You only have one life - enjoy it. Luv J xx

Answer 2

A migraine can last a while, even if you been taking the meds. Also, everyone gets migraines in different ways. I get psychadelic lights usually in my right sided vision. If I take any pain medication before the pain starts and relax, I can deter it. One time I did have kind of a reverse tunnel vision. I could not focus on anything, but I could see fine in my peripheral vision. If you're feeling better, just put it in the back of your mind. If it happens again, I would make sure they check into it further. I personally have never had any numbness in my hand, fingers or the hot sensation up my arm. But I do have light and sound sensitivity if I don't catch the migraine and the pain and nausea comes. I hope this is just a one time fluke and you're fine. Best wishes.

Answer 3

I think doctors just say 'migrane' when they don't have a clue. Migranes can last a long time, up to about 72 hours, but should go away. There are many types of migrane, apparently, but as far as I know they don't cause numbness in the hands.

If you got in to see the doctor on an emergency appointment, the chances are you have seen a very young, inexperienced doctor. They have not yet fully developed their listening skills and tend to try to find the simplest explanations.

Go back and see an older doctor - I ask specifically to see a one of the partners. Female doctors can be easier to talk to. Ask to be refered to a specialist, or at least to be sent for tests. I would personally only accept migraine as a diagnosis if they have ruled out everything else.

Tell them how scared you are and how this is affecting your life, cry if you have to, but don't leave till you have a referral! Especially if these symptoms have gone on for more than a week - even the leaflets they give you say migrane is not continuous, and if it goes on for very long you need to see a doctor.

There is probably nothing to worry too much about, but you obviously need reassurance that there isn't a more serious problem. People get referred for much less.

Answer 4

I have the tunnel vision migraines. It's as though there are loads of flickering vessels surrounding my line of sight, but they last only twenty minutes or so. The flushes sound like menopause flushes, and they usually start deep inside the torso and spread throughout every inch of the body. They are very uncomfortable. The numb fingers are probably 'too much typing' related. Make sure you're not cutting off the circulation at your elbows while you type. BUT having said all that, if you are still concerned, you are well within your rights to ask for a second opinion.

Answer 5

Migraine Syndrome does not usually have any effect on the nerves to the arm..it does involve several of the cranial nerves..You apparently have a compound problem. One involving the upper neck to cause cranial nerves but also in the lower neck to involve the brachial plexus.. Migraines usually last for 4 days of confinement. In a darkened room. Sometimes even more.

At any rate.. you have an inflammatory process involved and this factor means there is swelling of the tissues, including the nerves. Meaning movement is even more restricted. The symptoms you have mentioned involve at least 3 of the cranial nerves..some of the other symptoms may not have been quite as dramatic..

Would suggest you contact a doctor of Chiropractic and see what he can do for you..as there is a defined postural involvement.

Answer 6

Are you seeing a general practice doctor or a neurologist? If you are not seeing a neurologist, you need to go in and see one - preferably one who has specific experience with migraines.

It is not, as a rule, normal for a migraine to last for 7 days. It is not healthy. As a rule, one should go to the doctor if a migraine lasts more than 72 hours with less than a solid 4 hours pain free period, if you have symptoms that are unusual to you and if you find them frightening.

The tunnel vision that you experienced at the beginning of your migraine is the "aura" that begins a lot of people's migraines. That is a classic symptom and is "normal." The taste that you're going through can happen. A lot of times one's taste can be more than a bit off. The numbness in your fingers and hand can happen on occasion. Having it go on for the length of the migraine may be indicative of a hemiplegic migraine. Did your doctor mention these?

But... PLEASE go to a doctor. PLEASE. It's important...

Answer 7

Yes it could be a migraine as these can last a week or more. I used to get them quite badly and as well as the head pain, I also had the tunnel vision and numbness in hands, nausea and vomiting. In my case stress was the cause but if you are not happy with the diagnosis get a second opinion.

Answer 8

I have suffered from migraines most of my life. I have never had numbness, or the hot flush you describe. When you hve a migraine, light hurts your eyes, and noise sounds 10x louder and hurts. Movement hurts your head.
The tunnel vision episodes could be migraine related, but I would definitely get a second opinion, as this sounds more like a problem with bloodflow (circulatory).
Yep, see another doctor.

Answer 9

Ive had a severe migraine with those symptoms (numbness, nausea, vision, etc.) but the headache is so intense that you would not be able to sit at a computer. I would definetely see another doctor, this could be potentially serious, especially with the neurological symptoms. Alot of migraines have "pre-migraine" symptoms for up to a week, but they should not be so severe. good luck.

Answer 10

it sounds like a mixture of a panic attack and fear of heart attack, metallic taste in mouth is not so rare with migraine but is quite common with bad acid reflux. Get a second opinion to put your mind at rest. Btw migraine can last 3 to 4 days, maybe more.