Halo Migraines...?

Question

When you develop a halo migraine (which I was diagnosed with having on Sunday by and ER doctor) should you go back to the ER? I'm wondering if it ever happens again what I should do. I was the 'rare instance' where there was weakness or language and speech problems (my entire right side was numb and I slurred near incoherently). Do I go back to an ER or take extra Topamax they gave me as a daily preventative?

I was put in the care of a neurologist while I was in hospital--she's the one that prescribed the preventative, Topamax. I just didn't know what to do if one of those nasties suddenly hit me at work and blindsided me.

Answer 1

Don't take extra Topamax without being told to do so by a doctor. If the symptoms aren't leaving you in danger, attempt to wait it out in the best comfort you can find. Otherwise, head back to the ER, they can sometimes do simple things to help you out ( such as giving you oxygen )

Answer 2

There is no diagnosis called Halo Migraines. THere are many forms of migraine, but halo is not one accepted by the IHS (International Headache Society). I do not doubt you had a migraine, the problem is, when given a diagnosis, which does not exist, how do others help you?

There are forms of migraine where you have hemiparesis (one sided weakness) and partial or complete aphasia or slurred speech, you may even have a clumsy gait, and blurred vision in one or both eyes.

I actually have all these symptoms, and my diagnosis is Basilar Migraines (which is a diagnosis) there are also hemiplegic migraines.

The Topamax, as you have said is given to prevent migraines, it is to be taken daily, and may be increased when you see the neurologist, but should not be used episodically to treat the acute pain.

As a warning, since you have the one sided weakness, you should avoid taking any medication in the triptan class (such as imitrex) until these headaches are properly diagnosed. These medications are not considered safe in the forms of migraine which often cause the hemiparesis.

If you have severe pain, and the weakness is profound, go to the ER, it would be good if you are unable to make yourself understood during a migraine to write your symptoms on a card between migraines, and also write "please do not use triptans." Carry the card in your purse or wallet.

Follow up with a qualified neurologist or headache specialist.

Answer 3

Well take it from a migraine sufferer from age 4.... A migraine is not really a headache, but it is typically on one side of your head and the pain can vary. Some migraines are intense and you vomit and there is extreme light and sound sensitivity. Others there is relatively no pain but you have eye auras and see weird fuzzy shapes. The sound/sight issues is probably the biggest sign its' a migraine. If the base of your neck hurts- it's just a stress headache. The back of your eyes/nose area hurts- sinuses. One side- migraine. Also, migraines don't typically get better with headache medicine because it treats them the opposite. So if you have any of the migraine symptoms take something like excedrine migraine instead! Drink a whole bottle of water and it might fix your headache, a lot of headaches are just minor dehydration. Good luck. Sorry about your head!

Answer 4

Do not take extra Topomax. If you get a breakthrough headache you will need to take a different medicine. There are lots of choices for rescue meds: triptans like Imitrex, anti-inflammatories like Toridol, or just plain old painkillers like Fioricet or Oxycodone. If it's a minor headache aspirin sometimes works for me. For your treatment you should get a regular doctor, perhaps a neurologist.

Answer 5

I wouldn't go back to th er unless you have another one. If you want preventive medicine, find a nuerologist. Certain blood pressure meds and anti depressants are used to prevent migraines

Answer 6

Shoot that diagnosis.


Pl try acupressure given below.

Alternate systems of medicine can only help you.

There is no medicine for H/A OR MIGRAINE. Not only these but for RA, OA, Back ache and almost all painful diseases. Hence they become chronic.

Acidity, WORRY, sadness, excessive wind, cold , heat, sour food and sinusitis, constipation, intestinal inflammation; drug side effects, stress, bad smell, TV & COMPUTER SOMETIMES,
Blockage in the flow of Vital Energy, BODY CONSTITUTION etc are their causes. None of them can be treated with medicine. Our 100% success in treating migraine &H/A confirms it.

Acupuncture is the best treatment.
I can treat it with naturopathy and YOG, but how can you manage pl see.

Pain killers don't treat the pain but we loose the sense of pain for some time; in that duration our body itself treats sometime and credit goes to meds.
The useless drugs have tremendous power of side effects like liver/kidney failures, ulcer, inflammation of intestines and lot more.

Avoid late sleeping if possible; worry, spicy foods, sour fruits, stale bakery foods, SMOKING and alcohole.
Sweet foods, COCOANUT WATER,sweet fruits, milk, rice, SPROUTS, SALADS and good sleep will help if cough is not there.

But you try one herbal remedy- two drops of drumstick leaves' juice in opposite nostril if one side pains and both nostrils if full H/A will give you rescue. Betel leaf helps but it is very strong.

If it is acute pl search a painful point 3-6 mm behind your thumb nail and press it, H/A will disappear within 30 seconds.

For forehead pain the points are in front of nails on the finger tips or 3-7 mm below.

It may disappear naturally too.

Source(s):
SHREE SWASTHYAYOG TREATMENT, TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE
R.H. 19, Jhulelal Society, Sector 2/E, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, INDIA.

Answer 7

If there is a next time (let's hope not!) take the Topamax immediately, and go lie down in a quiet, dark room. migraines are a B****!! Good luck, sweetie. :)