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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Scooter Girl on December 19, 2003, at 4:06:15
Hello, Please forgive the length of this. I would like to give you a background as well as an update to my condition. Please continue to read and respond if you can help or have any suggestions. Anything is greatly appreciated and better than nothing.
I was in a serious car accident in Dec. 1992. Since that time I have been diagnosed with migraines. Before my car accident I hardly ever was sick or had a headache. They were very frequent at first then tapered off. They are now once again becoming very prevalent and are having worsening effects. To give you an example I am starting to go numb on the right side of my skull and sometimes the right side of my face when I have the migraines. It sometimes feels like when your foot falls asleep and then wakes up (the tingling feeling) other times it feels like I have gone to the dentist who has given me numbing shots before filling a tooth. October thru the middle of March has always been the worst time for my migraines since I have had them.
I have had numerous CT scans, MRI's, and Spect scans. I have seen doctors who only try to cure the problem short term. I have been referred to neurologists who have put me on preventative medications, which have not helped. I questioned today why they do not do the MRI while I am having a migraine and then one when I am not. I figured it would show different reactions in the brain and possible provide some more insight. The neurologist I saw today said that there would be no difference. The only time you would see something on an MRI of the brain is if you had a tumor, aneurysm, or something of that nature.
The neurologist that I saw today was one that I original saw in 2000. After a lengthy session the neurologist believes that I may actual have a condition known as Bipolar. Unfortunately this really scares me. I sat down with a list of medications that I have taken within the last 4 years pertaining to migraines and medications to help me sleep. There have been a total of 33. That is quite a lot.I have trouble sleeping at night and have been put on quite a few sleeping medications such as Ambien along with some that are used in treating and or preventing migraines. I am no longer always the happy go lucky person I once was prior to my accident, which as of today is the 12th anniversary of my major car wreck.
I have 2 times in the past taken a medication called Provigil only to make sure that I was alert for important events at work. Each time I took that medication I was alert and I felt like my happy go lucky person I used to be.
In speaking with the neurologist today I did inform them of this. I obviously do not know how or if it could help me in the prevention of my migraines but am willing to take and try due to nothing else has worked. I think and hope I will once again be able to feel like my happy go lucky self after 12 years.
The neurologist was not unreasonable and said would allow me to try it for 1 month and if I felt like my normal self again and my migraines lessened or stopped would allow me to continue taking. They would never have thought of that as a possible cure but was eager to see the outcome. If this does not work they would like me to try lithium.
I was wondering if anyone else out there has migraines and has taken Provigil. I know one of the side effects of Provigil could be a headache but I am used to that. I hope that the ingredients in the Provigil will cure what could also possibly be Bipolar since it might even out my moods.
If you have any suggestions or feedback please leave. I again am sorry about the length of this message I hope to hear from you soon.
Scooter Girl
Posted by Scooter Girl on December 19, 2003, at 9:13:13
In reply to Bipolar Migraines, posted by Scooter Girl on December 19, 2003, at 4:06:15
If anyone can please give some insight I would greatly appreciated it. I am so scared.
Posted by HappyGirl on December 19, 2003, at 16:28:46
In reply to Bipolar Migraines, posted by Scooter Girl on December 19, 2003, at 4:06:15
Hi:
It sounds to me like the car-wreck caused this havoc/migraine. Because of the impact of the wreck, your brain went through a great degree of 'trauma,' ... in my guess. However, now, why the doc. saying that you may have Bipolar? As you might know, Bipolar has two poles, ... one is called 'manic' and the other one is 'depressive episode.' Then, ask yourself whether you have these 'two' symptoms.
Regarding the med., Provigil is some sort of 'stimulant' effect, like 'Wellbutrin' and 'Strattra,' in my knowledge. However, this med. is originally designed for 'migraine' that you have, I believe.
Also, the doc.'s suggestion, ... 'Lithium' that is for Bipolar, as you know/worry. Probably, the reason why the Lithium is because you've experiencing, ... you're happy some day, but not happy without any good reason?
In Bipolar, there is several different form of Bipolar, from being severe enough to be close to 'schizophrenia,' and to be very milder form, close to 'classic depression' that needs just 'Lithium' regimen,... in other words, easily stabilize and functionable enough to stressful career including study/training.
I know, however that most of folks are scared of hearing the word, 'Bipolar' because there is rageous form of mania in Bp, called 'dysphoric mania.' Then, it sounds to me like your symptoms is close to the latter one, ... milder form of Bipolar' if you have.
There is no indication for me to suspect your symptoms is related to Bipolar by the post above. However, as believing your doc.'s dx., my suggestion is that you'd better to follow your doc.'s instruction, although I totally understand your great concern/worry over this announcement/dx.
HappyGirl
Posted by Scooter Girl on December 19, 2003, at 16:48:12
In reply to Re: Bipolar Migraines, posted by HappyGirl on December 19, 2003, at 16:28:46
Happy Girl thank you so much for your input. I appreciate people like you who will take the time to read my long story.
From what I understand of Provigil it is actually a Narcolepsy medication. I hope with me taking this I will now be able to come down at night and sleep thus killing 2 birds with 1 stone.
Again thank you so much. :)
This is the end of the thread.
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