Migraines: The one size fits all diagnosis

[kalirachi]

It would be interesting to know just how many people are 'diagnosed' with migraines when doctors and neurologists are unable to understand what is actually causing a patient's symptoms. I was admitted to hospital by my doctor following a couple of emergency home visits I was told by the acute medical unit consultant that I'd had a stroke. The symptoms included a skull busting thunderclap headache, very stiff and painful neck, constant vomiting, disorientation, a high fever, complete loss of balance, unable to stand or walk, dizziness and vertigo, photophobia and phonophobia. The following morning I was told the stroke diagnosis was wrong and that it was almost certainly some form of meningoencephalitis. After three days of antibacterial and and antiviral IV drugs they carried out a lumbar puncture. This was attempted by a junior doctor who made a complete hash of it by piercing blood vessels with the very large needle thus contaminating the sample. I was then told that despite their best efforts they were unable to identify the virus and confirm a diagnosis. I was discharged the following day and told that I'd had a very serious viral infection but they were sure it that it had now left my system. I was told I would fully recover at home after a few weeks. On the discharge papers I was given, the cause of my illness was stated as 'chronic migraines'. This is very redolent of the 'damp proofing experts' who describe any form of mould or dampness they can't attribute a cause for as 'chronic condensation'.

[VMroom]

I hear you, mine was "severe cluster headaches" and given information to read on anxiety & resilience because they thought it was stress!! Very disheartening when you thought you coukd trust the medical profession but have to self diagnose.

Hope you are recovering.

[dizzywench]

I was diagnosed with a migrane even though I had collapsed at home with a thunderclap headache and all the other symptoms that should of set alarms for a brain bleed I was left at home and told to take painkillers

3 separate visits from paramedics and a gp visit as I couldn't move constantly being sick

One week later and paramedics reluctantly took me to hospital

Mri scan showed I had been bleeding in my brain since the Monday this was now Friday

Blue lighted to Cambridge

Craniotomy done as couldn't coil although I have found out since it could of been coiled it's just addenbrooks favour clipping