Basilar migraine

[grungema3]

My daughter,40, was almost completely disabled last year. All extensive tests showed nothing. Eventually we paid and saw a private neurologist who diagnosed basilar migraine. She recommended stemetil for the dizziness and a tryptan, can' remember which one. Started at tryyptan 10mg and was supposed to increase to loads. however, my daughter couldn't tolerate the higher dose but thankfully has improved unbelievably. She's walking and much, much better.
1. Recently had bad bronchitis and a UTI. Since then, some symptoms have returned although she is improving gradually. Is this the norm when some one with basilar is sick?
2.UTI: Has had all tests, fine, but still gets these infections recurring. Not cystitis, no pain, just feels ill, exhausted, some frequency but not excessive. Basilar?
3. I have just been scared stiff. Read a post that someone died as, they think a result of basilar. We can't keep going to the doc for every little ache and pain. Does basilar really kill people? I'm terrified now. Please help. Thank you  

[grungema3]

Thank you so much for your reply, valuable information and comments. I will alert my daughter with the child with Lupus to your comments, and try to get the other daughter who suffers basilar migraine to see a urologist.
Re. abdomen, will attend my doc for referral. Thank you again.

[Arti Sharma, M.D.]

Hello there,
Basilar artery migraine is a type of migraine with aura symptoms originating from the brainstem or from both occipital lobes. It can cause bilateral visual symptoms, bilateral paralysis, altered mental status, vertigo, gait ataxia, bilateral paresthesia and dysarthria either of these symptoms. The frequency of this migraine may vary in every person. Avoiding the triggering factor, medications like topiramate, having a balanced diet and exercise will be helpful. Bronchitis and UTI are not related to migraine. It is not necessary that every person will present with all the classical features of UTI.UTIs are common in females compared to men due to several anatomic factors. The risk factors for recurrent UTI in females are sexual intercourse, use of spermicidal products, having a first UTI at an early age, and having a maternal history of UTIs. Most common causes are stones in kidney, changing sexual partners frequently, pregnancy, diabetes and childhood infections. The urine can also be due to retention of urine anywhere in its flow due to obstruction. Inherited factors may be related to recurrent UTIs in few females. Drink plenty of water. Continuous or post-coital prophylaxis with low-dose antimicrobials or intermittent self-treatment with antimicrobials may be helpful in managing recurrent uncomplicated UTIs in women. You may discuss this possibility with your urologist. Further evaluation may be necessary if your urologist is suspecting structural and anatomic abnormalities of the urinary tract. Any condition can turn critical if not treated correctly. Do clarify your doubts with the attending doctor. Keep me posted.
Best luck and regards!