EEG and MRI
I had been diagnosed with complex migraines about 20 plus years ago. In 2014 I stopped taken my meds and felt amazing. But about a year ago I started having problems with vertigo, ear ringing, ear pain, hearing loss, nausea, frequent bathroom trips, and pain. My question, I know my migraines are back but my neurologist will not put me on meds until I have an EEG and MRI but I feel like this is a waste of time and money, should I go through the tests or seek out a doctor that will automatically put me on meds. Thank you for guidance.
, thank you for reaching out! I apologize that your question has gone unanswered. We cannot offer medical advice over the internet (for your safety!), but we always recommend following the advice of your doctor. Did you ask your neurologist to explain the reasoning behind wanting you to have the MRI and EEG before prescribing medication? It may feel unnecessary, but it is possible the tests will give your neurologist information to help make the best choices for treatment. The other thing to be cautious about in seeking out a provider for medication is that unfortunately (as you may already know) those with migraine are often seen in the medical profession as drug-seeking because of how poorly migraine is understood. Migraine attacks can at times mimic drug user withdrawal symptoms, leading to poor treatment, particularly in an ER setting. I would hate for you to struggle even more to get the help you need because doctors are seeing you refused tests, are pushing for medications, and misinterpret your symptoms as a result. It may or may not be an issue, but unfortunately, it could. I would encourage you to start by having a conversation with your neurologist so you can both better understand each other's concerns and reasoning. Then you can decide on how best to proceed. Please keep us posted on how you are managing and what the next steps become for you! Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (Migraine.com team) Thank you for your reply. I did go ahead with the ENG and MRI. I haven’t received word on the eng but the mri not surprising, showed that my brain is growing old, migraines and a history of mild strokes. No really seriously. This I already knew. I’ve been reading a book by John Hopkins that suggest test aren’t needed because it means that the doctors are looking for something and will find something just to make them feel better. And truth be told that book is right.
I was given an antidepressant for my painful bladder syndrome or IC. That has done wonders for my migraines as well as my IC Better then Calan aka Verapamil.
I will defiantly start being more open and direct with my neurologist. I was often a passive member to my migraines believing that they knew best but I’m finding out that I can be a part of this. Thanks for that reminder.
