I have had moderate to severe daily headaches with migraines for 10 years or so. I had Arnold Chiari Malformation cranial decompression surgery in 2001-and I had NO headaches for 2 years-not even a little nagging one. Then about 4 years ago I began having migraines again. I would get an aura (blurred vision-almost like a film comes over my eye-it lasts just a few seconds but continue to come and go) we tried all of the abortive meds-Imitrex pills, sprays, injections, Maxalt, Zomig, etc. None of them worked for me. We have also tried beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, etc. I was given Zonagran (an anti-seizure med) to see if it helped control the migraines. After 1 dose I went into anti-phalatic shock and needed to be air flighted to the hospital. Since that episode my body seems to be untra-sensitive to meds and I have had several small reactions to meds. I am now going to a Headache clinic and working with the neurologists there. It is frustrating because the migraines are dibilitating and I am a professional woman. They are affecting my ability to speak-I can't find the correct word and when I do it comes out all wrong. I have began to have pins and needles sensations and numbness in my face, lips and now down arms, hands, feet and legs. The doctor said we needed to rule out a drug reaction to Keppra first, but he suspected Basilar Artery Migraine. What do you think? I guess my biggest question would be about treatment. I did do a bit of research on the type of migraine and the "typical" treatment that I read about (anti-depressants;beta blockers; calcium channel blockers, and anti-convulsants) I am already taking (I am currently on: Cymbalta, Nadolol, Neurotin, {reacted to Keppra, and Verapamil, Nardil, Topamax, Frova) I am also taking Lasix and just stopped taking Diamox a few months ago (Psudotumor Cerebri that is now resolved??) So what do you suggest I do now? I am on the verge of losing my job due to missed work. I am at the end of my rope with all of the medical bills and frustrated because after a year of specialized treatment and 3 inpatient hospital stays to try to resolve these issues-I am now experiencing more symptoms, and my quality of life is deteriorating. Please advise me on what to do and what to realistically expect from my medical team.
Thank You!!