[Shades]

Hello. TYIA for your help. I was diagnosed with Migraines when I was 16. I'm now
20 & very familiar with Migraine Aura & the severe pain. However for the last 2
Months I've been having some strange & worrying symptoms. It first started with
Memory loss that has increased. It seems my short term memory is awful. My 86
Year old grandmother has a better memory than me! This is very unusual for me as
I was also known for my good memory as I could remember things from years gone
By... but now I can't. Secondly I also have slurred speech that occurs during
The early after to late evening. This comes usually at the same time or within 2
Hours of the forgetfullness. So I think this might be tied in together but I'm
Not sure but admitably its worrying me now. My GP is one of them who hand out
Pain killers or put it down to stress. Im not under any stress. I'm also having
Dizzy spells a few times a day. These always occur when I've been standing up
For around 1 hour. And more recently (this started 2 weeks ago) I've had sharp,
Knife like pains going through the right side of my head & radiating across the
Other side. It is not behind my ear or eye just straight through one side of my
Head to the other side & it lasts 5-8 minutes then disappears. I did have a
Scare yesterday with this sharp pain because it occurred when I was driving &
Affected my vision. My vision became blurry & foggy for 5-6 seconds then
Stopped. I'm just glad I was driving on a slow road! Scary. I'm not sure if this
Is related to the above symptoms, but I do notice that my vision becomes
Affected especially during the above episodes or when I'm in a building with
Neutral colours (white, beige or pale yellow, etc).

I'm sorry for this long question but I wanted to give you as much information as
Possible. I would really appreciate your help. I want to see my GP on Monday but
It depends on whether I can get a appointment for myself. What does this sound
Like? Admittably I am starting to worry now.I've had loads of crazy thoughts going through my mind about what it could be. Im terrified it could be a tumor. Thank you

[J_9]

I really can't help you with your symptoms as I have not been through my neurology rotation yet.

But it would be in your best interest to see a neurologist rather than your GP. A GP is familiar with health in general, whereas a neurologist is more familiar with neurotransmitters, which may be a problem for you, as well as neurological disorders.

If you cannot make an appointment for a neurologist yourself, please ask your GP for a referral.

[Shades]

Thank you for your reply. I am very worried about my symptoms because its just not like me. The only way I can get a referral to a neurologist is via my GP so I'll try and sort that out on Monday if I can get a appointment. Thank you again.

[inthebox]

I don't want to contribute to your worrying, because there are a lot of possibilities - some scary enough.

I suggest writing down each symptom, describing it in as much detail as you can
How long
How frequent
How severe
Location
Anything that may make it worse or better [ position, meals, noise, whatever ]
Any associated symptoms. Fever or rash for example
Know all the medications, supplements, vitamins, you are on
Know your family history [ migraines, cancer, stroke, diabetes etc. ]
Have you traveled anywhere or eaten anything new?
Do you smoke or drink alcohol or use drugs ?
Do you where glasses or contacts ?
Does anyone you come into contact with have similar symptoms?

These are all things your doc and or neurologist should ask - if they don't get another opinion.

I hope you get better

[Shades]

Hi there. Thank you for your help. Nope I don't have any associated symptoms. The only thing I can think of (might be related) is when I was a little girl, I used to faint or become "strange" when I looked at bright hospital lights. It was always fluroscent lights. I honestly can't remember in what way I became strange because it was such a long time ago but I was checked for Epilepsy (I think) by having wires put on my head with that glue stuff. My mum mentioned this to me only this morning & said maybe its come back but effecting me in a different way now because Im all grown up. But I really don't know. I mean Epilepsy can't cause this can it?

Yes I wear contact lenses. If the visual disturbances occur when Im not wearing lenses then I pay no attention to it. But if it happens when Im wearing contact lenses then I know its not cause my eyes are playing up. Nope I don't drink alcohol or use drugs but I do smoke. Nope haven't travelled anywhere or eaten anything new.

I am the only one in my family with Migraines but there is a very very long family history of heart disease. Few family members had strokes & my grandmother is Diabetic. There is no one experiencing these symptoms unfortunately. I can't think of anything that makes it better. But when my vision goes funny I usually keep blinking & take deep, slow breathes. This is the only thing I can think of.

Im going to hang around the phone tomorrow morning until I get a GP appointment. Receptionists tells everyone to ring at 8:30am but 10 minutes later, all of the appointments have gone for that day. So annoyings. Thanks again :)

[Shades]

Update: I went to my Doctors surgery today & had to see a Locum because my GP is on holiday for 2 weeks. He examined me & said he thinks I'm having "unusal migraines" but he wants some blood tests performed to rule out Anemia, Thyroid problems & Diabetes. He looked into my eyes & did say that he thought he saw pressure behind my left eye & then pressed across my forehead, cheek & checked glands & said "no, thats ok" & told me to get the bloods performed. I told him I'm worried sick because it isn't like me to have all of these symptoms & he said he doesn't think its anything to worry about but he'll run some tests & we'll know more when my results are back in.