Worried, is it migraine or something else.

[MelissaMom]

My youngest daughter is 14. She became ill in Sept- presented with sudden sharp headache behind eye, vision loss, vomiting and nauseousness each morning.  This has progressed to 10/16 two hour period of dizziness, headache and difficulty walking, 10/25 syncope- no warning, fell and became unconscious for 12 minutes, then headache (worst yet, most are an 8, this was 10) 10/28- became dizzy, stumbled, problem walking, vomited, weakness could not stand. dizziness last 30 minites. 10/31- dizzy, this time she had enough warning so she laid down. This was accompanied by headache and numbness in her arms.  She has daily issues, but I am more concerned about the weakness, walking issues.  She had a MRI 10/9 normal. LP w/floruscopy 10/16 showed 335 RBC, but they felt that was a tramatic tap as they attempted 2x prior and were unable to get fluid. Opening pressue was 14.  (Her sister was PTC- so doesnt have that) 10/25 CT normal. EKG normal, chest x ray normal.  

They are talking about an MRA- but that was Wednesday and I am still waiting to know when, and then they made a cardiologist appt for the 25th.

I guess my question is - can this be the brain if the scans are normal.  

[Eddie1994]

Hi Melissa,

The time lapse between September until she was seen may have provided time for any brain aneurysm bleed to be reabsorbed.  Getting the MRA will be very useful as well as the CT scan that Sara mentioned.  The symptoms you listed can be closely parallel to that of a aneurysm rupture.  Many times the rupture will reseal only to rebleed usually within 72 hours.  Your daughter exceeded that time so in a way that is a blessing however, make sure she has the MRA done ASAP.  Early intervention is always best.  Good luck and God Bless!

[sara12345]

I'm not a doctor, but from what I know from having MRI/MRAs in the past, the scans were thought to be proof positive that there wasn't a problem with my brain. However, your daughter definitely has a problem which does need treatment.  Call the MRA scheduling office to press for an appointment.  If your daughter has significant problems in the future, take her to the ER where they would probably order a CT scan or MRA to diagnose whether it is something more serious.  I would try for an MRA over the CT scan because there is a lot of radiation with the CTs.  When her symptoms have been over a period of time, it is unlikely that you would need the diagnosis within 30 minutes from a CT scan.  But if they think that is necessary, I would take it.  You may need to try to get your daughter to a pain management doctor who has the ability to try more intensive treatments.  The first line of treatment with migraines is to try a daily preventative migraine medication (such as Topomax) which any doctor has the ability to prescribe. Not sure about any restrictions with the age that your daughter is.  I would really appreciate it if you would keep me posted on your daughter's progress.  I certainly wish the best for your daughter.