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Does this sound like vestibular migraine?

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pcat
pcat

Hello all, I'm new here and after your opinions please!

I am a 43 y/o female, first recognisable migraine, with aura, at 27. Occasional migraines with aura for about 11 years. 5 years ago I had my first bout of vertigo (gp diagnosed - migraine associated vertigo). This happened regularly, with my cycle, for around 6 months, then spontaneously cleared up. I will mention at this point that most of my migraines had not involved a great deal of pain, mostly aura, mild headache, and that lingering migraine hangover for a day or two afterwards.

3 years ago (a few months after total hysterectomy, no hrt), I started with a completely new symptom. I can only describe it as a pressure feeling in my head, along with my eyes doing funny things. It felt like my eyes were being pulled into a crossed position, I couldn't focus and felt very disorientated. This happenened infrequently for a year or so, then eased a little, then for this past year it has gotten progressively worse. I have some level of headache every day - sometimes barely noticeable. I also experience visual disturbance and a motion sickness type sensation. 3 weeks ago, I had a major aura, followed by the worst pain I've ever had in my head. It had me bedridden for 2 days. Since then, I haven't had a pain free moment. It's up and down, always there. I also have pain in my eyebrow area, eye socket, cheekbone, between my eyes... this started within the last year, although I have been treated for chronic sinusitis a number of times over the years (there is no congestion).

The pain is getting me down, but the 'dizziness' and being off balance is causing me real problems. My chiropractor believes it to be migraine, my gp the same. My mum has a lifelong history of migraine with aura. Yep, I'm wondering why I'm even asking when I really think about it! The question is, though, if this sounds like vestibular migraine (migraine associated vertigo is the same thing?). My gp prescribed amitriptyline today, I'm scared to take it and scared not to.

Sorry for the long post, I'm just trying to get informed. I have a neurology appointment in 4 weeks, I'm pretty sure I can't manage with these symptoms for that long :-(

Any opinions and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.

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  • margaret22116
    margaret22116 pcat

    Posted

    By the way pcat I think it is not about being more firm with your doctor but getting a referral to a different one. I fear a neurologist is no good to you. Try for a referral elsewhere to an immunologist or vasculitis specialist and try speaking to Vasculitis UK if you are UK based. They can advise you on a good specialist local to you. X
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