Migraine Without Headache

lepman48 · 02-01-2011, 07:34 AM

Anyone Ever hear of this ? Dose it last 24/7 ? Dose it Have anything to do with Balance and dizziness issues?

mrsD · 02-01-2011, 08:30 AM

The term "silent migraine" is sometimes used for visual disturbances like auras (which precede a migraine) in the eyes, when no headache follows.

What is really happening is that the blood vessels in the retina of the eye are spasming and causing visual symptoms.

These vessels are very small and prone to damage from other cardiovascular disease states, or diabetes as well.

I think in your case the doctor is applying this concept of vascular spasms to the inner ear. You can have balance and dizziness problems with viral infections, blows to the head or
problems with blood flow to the inner ear where balance is sensed. Inside the inner ear are tiny hairs which detect position of the body. They can be broken off and fail to work if you expose yourself to repetitive high decibel sound, or get an infection there, or if the blood supply is reduced. This reduction can be a spasm of the vessel, which then passes. Or a complete blockage like a stroke (blood clot) which may be permanent.
Drugs, toxins, also can damage the nerves themselves in the inner ear, but if a doctor said "silent migraine" then he/she is referring to spasms of the blood vessels.

The term "silent migraine" is rather old fashioned, and really pertains to a vascular event that is temporary.

Poor blood vessel status can be due to diet, low B12, low B6 and low folate. It can be inflammatory and secondary to autoimmune disease like lupus or vasculitis.

I get the impression your doctor was just trying to explain in easier terms a very complex situation. Many patients don't understand the more complex terms doctors use to describe medical situations.

Jaspar · 02-01-2011, 11:36 AM

This book talks about these types of migraines: "It's Not Mental" And I had two family members with both the migraines with pain and without pain. It is a neurological phenomenon, but did involve blood vessels as well. The sensation can be like seeing static, faded colors, falling down, not able to think a thought through, speechlessness. One friend had this and was taken to the ER thinking it was a stroke.

As for cause, it seems to be diverse ranging from hormones, to gluten issues, to B vitamin problems or CoQ10 deficiency to unknown.

lepman48 · 02-01-2011, 12:26 PM

OK, but this is going on 24/7 and for over two years now. No blows to the head or infection in there either. had M.R.I.'s of head neck and spine, M.R.A.'s , and C.T. scan to which she announced as normal. Then I get this Migraine with out headache diagnosis with out having testing done. and want's to medicate for it with no conformation that it's even present HOW?

Jaspar · 02-01-2011, 02:21 PM

Medications can help symptoms without knowing underlying cause. An example we are famiiiar with is tylenol for back pain. In the same way, doctors sometimes prescribe a medication like topiramate for migraine. It has some notorious side-effects which are worth it to some people, just to get even partial relief from the symptoms while not knowing what is causing the symptoms.

You are lucky. At least they have not started saying it is psychosomatic.

As for testing for nutrient deficiencies, You are right. They are not educated about that as well as they are about what the pharmaceutical reps teach them. So since nothing else is working for you, you might want to go to an out-of-network doctor not afraid to run tests. Insurance should still pay for the tests.

lepman48 · 02-01-2011, 02:38 PM

Lol....That will be next....I'll bet ya.

mrsD · 02-01-2011, 02:41 PM

Sometimes a drug is offered for its probative value.

If it works, then the diagnosis is more likely.

The typical drug for migraine prophylaxis would be a "triptan".

Some doctors would try an antiseizure drug like Topamax as well.

There is an art to medicine as well as a science.

A brief trial of either of these drugs is not a huge risk to you. And may reveal something.

mrsD · 02-01-2011, 03:00 PM

There is a condition called positional vertigo.

Here is a link to it with the easy to do exercises to help the ear
readjust. It comes from a sensory otolith that breaks off and causes the fluid in the inner ear to malfunction. Eventually the brain will accomodate to the new situation, and sometimes not.

http://www.tchain.com/otoneurology/d...bppv/bppv.html

You don't mention this diagnosis, but I am sending it to you because it is pretty common.

lepman48 · 02-01-2011, 03:06 PM

Vertigo was suspected tested for and was ruled out also Meniere's was tested for and ruled out. Any other leads?

lepman48 · 02-08-2011, 10:50 AM

I got a call from my Doctor's office , told me that my Neurology doctor want's me mentally evaluated, and feels that my condition was brought on by mental state of depression, and feels that I need to be medicated immediately, My Doctor asked me What's going on? I don't know I told her, But we ( Me and my Wife) just don't seem to be getting any answer's As to what has been tested for and what has been ruled out. And that we both feel that the Neurology Doctor Jut doesn't listen or seem to want to diagnoses and or treat this condition. Wow....Now it's all in my head...what's next ? Do I get the jacket that ties from the back and a padded room to boot? Oah and by the way, I'm not depressed, Just insulted...