Migraine

Hi all,

Quick question... in case anybody knows! I've had an increase in this symptom lately and I'm digging around. The beating comes and goes... never stays for more than a few minutes. Sometimes there doesn't seem to be any reason for it, but occasionally it seems to be brought on by bending over and standing back up.

I know this is a symptom of PTC, but I'm wondering what ELSE it is a symptom of. Anybody know?

Ya beat me to it!

I was going to say Intracranial Hypertension (aka PTC or Pseudotumor Cerebri).

Have you recently changed or started new medications?

Does this only happen when you Migraine or whenever?

Have you been checked for IIH?

I get this kind of thing during plain ol' migraine attacks. I notice it most when my ear's against my pillow. If I shift, it lets up. I'll also get it during migraines with exertion. We've looked and tested, and I don't have PTC. For me it's just one of those quirky migraine things.

I've asked about it with both of my neuros... the new guy is a MILLION times better, but he's hesitant to give me a lumbar punch. I think that's probably the norm... they want a shot at their treatment ideas/theories before they run around sticking their patients. I would feel better knowing though... it's on the "not letting up until I'm better or I know" list.

He said he would want a second MRI before he'd do that. I'm not sure WHAT that would entail.. because I did get an injection halfway through my last one. So that would mean I have a regular MRI and one with contrast, right? What are my other options?

I've had some med changes, but two different ones actually... and it's been the same. I attribute it more to the fact that as this goes on, I seem to acquire more symptoms as I go. My appt with my new neuro was really long, and we talked about so many of my symptoms (he was really thorough in that) that I forgot to press him for what his dx was! My current personal theory is that the constant that I have is headache based. I've definitely had a few migraines in the midst of it, but they act differently than what the constant is. (much less manageable! With the standing norm I'm able to work) I understand there are different theories with different doctors on this one. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

Hi Candace,

When my IIH is not under good control, I can hear my heartbeat when I lay down at night to go to sleep. During the day if I notice it, I know I need to see the doctor......

Huh... yikes. It doesn't appear to be exclusive to CSF level problems... but I'm not really sure. Perhaps CSF pressure is raised during a migraine? Boy, do I ever wish I had more learnin' 'bout this stuff!

So I figured a few things out... I hear it for about 5 seconds any time I hiccup... and it's usually just in my right ear. This isn't the only time it pops up, but I've found it's semi-predictable. Nancy, is it on both sides all the time for you?