Was it a stroke or a migraine?

You are surely a very worthwhile person who is important and special, and that’s exactly how your doctors should be treating you. I'm so sorry you’ve had to go through this. It’s concerning that the Mayo Clinic couldn’t provide more answers, especially given their reputation.

Don't lose hope. Sometimes it takes persistence to find the right specialist or the right treatment. Is there a possibility of getting a second opinion or seeking help from a different neurology center? You deserve to have your concerns taken seriously and to get the care you need. Please don’t give up. Wishing you all the best. John. community moderator.

Hi there. First of all, you're not a worthless old woman! You still deserve respect and care no matter how old you are. Please believe that.

Before I go on, I'm curious, do you also have asthma? This conversation about migraine is welcome here, but since this is an asthma site, you may not get the best information. We do have a website for migraine, which you can find at migraine.com. I think the people there would be a great source of support for you, if you are interested!

That said, I happen to be one of the moderators on the migraine team, so I am happy to give you some information. I will also tag my colleague , who has both asthma and migraine. I'm sure she'll want to say hello to, you as well.

Now, as to your question, there is a particular kind of migraine called hemiplegic migraine, which mimics a stroke. Sudden weakness on one side and difficulty speaking and thinking are common symptoms.

Did the neurologist who said it was migraine ever give you medication for it? You may want to pursue this. Be aware that it can take a lot of trial and error to find what your triggers are and what treatments are most effective. But it can be worth it to figure out what helps you feel better.

Neurologists are good doctors, but if you can work with a certified migraine specialist, they will be best prepared to help you. Most neurologists focus on many conditions, which may explain why they weren't helpful.

There are two major directories of headache specialists. Here are the websites

https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/find-a-doctor/

https://headaches.org/resources/healthcare-provider-finder/

I know this is a LOT of information, so please take your time. We are here to support you, and I hope you'll join up at migraine.com so Rebecca and I can talk with you more.

Thanks so much for writing to us. You're not alone! -Melissa, team member

Hello - I'm grateful my colleague tagged me on this conversation. Thank you, . Oh dear - I understand how alienating it is to have serious medical symptoms and get no answers, as they are pushing you out the door or sending you to sit in the waiting room for extended periods. How confusing it is that you've gotten mixed answers.

I wonder if you've seen a vascular neurosurgeon. They would be best to assist you with a stroke diagnosis. Should you take this route, I would be sure to have all the notes and tests done while in the ER and hospital with you so they can make an assessment. They would also in all likelihood send you for more tests.

Also, as Melissa mentioned about the diagnosis of migraines, our site Migraine.com has some great information that may shed light on your episodes. And, I, too, am curious if the doctor treated you for these migraines. Did they refer you to a specialist for migraines? Check out the sources Melissa posted. They are invaluable.

Were these episodes in any way associated with your asthma diagnosis - if you have asthma? Our asthma site here has very little information on strokes or migraines. Do check those links above. I empathize with your predicament. It is hell being put in limbo when it comes to health. I definitely wouldn't sit on this though, as it seems the stroke treatment eased symptoms and may be an urgent matter. Seeking treatment with those specialists mentioned above, express clearly your concern that other specialists could not discern the problem and it is causing you quite a bit of angst. Please circle back and tell us how things are going. We genuinely care about your health.

I'm truly sorry we can't offer any more help on our asthma site. Please seek out specialists to help pinpoint the issue at hand. Thoughtfully, Rebecca (team member)