Atypical Migraines???

[Dizzy7777]

For the past year I have had problems with dizziness and the inability to focus my eyes for several days at a time.  In february 2008 I came down with viral meningitis.  While in the hospital I had several CAT scans and MRI's to confirm that everything was normal.  They tested my oxygen levels, multiple blood tests and did a spinal tap to confirm that it was viral meningitis.  During my stay at the hospital I went off of my birthcontrol because I did not have it with me and it was the least of my worries.  It has been 3 months since then and I started taking it a week ago.  It was prescribed due to problems with ovarian cysts and precautionary measures.  Last night as i was sitting on the couch i got a headache and several hours later severe dizziness.  I immediately went to bed in a dark room and fell asleep.  Within a few hours I had woken up still feeling dizzy and this time naseaus.  I had dry heaves for about 30 min and then went back to bed.  I did not go to work but went straight to the Dr.  He suggested that it sounded like atypical migraines, possibly brought on by hormones from the birth control.  Does this sound typical??? Or is there another area that I shold be exploring to figure this out.  I just want a solution and stopping the birth control sounds logical enough, any other suggestions?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[teacher17]

Hi--you sound like me.  I had a horrible vertigo episode where I woke up spinning uncontrolably and then had cold sweats.  It happened again 2 days later.  Afterwards, I'm very tired with low grade dizziness.  I've had MRIs, CT scans and blood work done along with inner ear testing (to rule out vestibular vertigo) and everything comes back clear. They suggested that I have vertigo migraines.   I did take myself off of my birth control (Yaz) that I was on for about 2 years.  Just starting now, I'm starting to feel a bit better.  I've read online about being hormonally imbalanced--i have all the symptoms: dizzy, anxious, difficulty sleeping, night sweats, sudden waking up and feeling dizzy...like i have loss of breath.  I have an appointment with Gyno so hopefully she can confirm some of this.  I starting to suspect that it was the birth control pills doing it to me....I also sometimes had difficulty focusing...almost like there's a lot of pressure in my head....any insights you could offer?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[Dizzy7777]

Thanks for the suggestions.  Originally they thought it was linked to allergies and sinus problems, however it  comes on so suddenly they eventually ruled that out.  My doctor also suggessted that I have my eyes examined again to make sure that it was not a vision problem.  If any one has any other suggestions please send them my way!!


Thanks

Dizzy7777

[Nancy T]

Dizziness definitely can accompany migraines. Migraine-related dizziness can occur before, during, or after the headache--or it can occur without any headache at all. (Many doctors do not know this.)

And hormonal changes are one of the very most common migraine triggers.

See information on dizziness and especially migraine-associated dizziness (or vertigo) at www.dizziness-and-balance.com (a site provided by a well-known neurologist and dizziness specialist).

Good luck to you!

Nancy T.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

It is quite possible that your symptoms were caused by the BCP. However you need to discuss this with your GYN and neurologist MDs. Call them tomorrow.

JCH III MD