Brief Answer:
Need a diagnosis first

Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon. I am Dr. Saghafi and am a Neurologist in the XXXXXXX area. Let's start by asking for more information. 2.5 lines does not a diagnosis make, right? LOL!

What types of "doctors" has she been seeing and what have they done to workup the symptoms? Any imaging studies of the head such as CT, MRI, etc. Has she seen a neurologist? I know you said the doctors "don't have a clue" but can you post their notes because no matter how clueless a doctor really is about a patient's problem there should always be some thoughts written down based on the symptoms and the physical examination.

Any headaches associated with these symptoms. How long have these symptoms really been going on for....but let's make sure we understand what I'm asking....How LONG HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS been present form no matter how mild or insignificant they may have been even long ago.....so are these symptoms truly NEW which never existed in any form several or more years ago? OR, is it possible these symptoms were present (even as many as 10-15 years ago) but were either very unnoticeable by her or if they were present it was so fleeting that she didn't even pay attention to much and may have even forgotten about them UNTIL I MADE HER THINK ABOUT THEM NOW......so as the mom you figure out how you want to ask that question of her to get the RIGHT answer....don't just take the first answer she gives since most people in these situations are going to simply say, "Oh yeah, I never had anything like this before....." Then, you press them,... "Well, maybe...now that I think about it....like when I was in my 20's I remember them but they were like just there for a few seconds and then, went away for weeks or months....it was probably because I was tired...." things like that...so please really press for an accurate time frame.

What sort of treatments has she tried. Has ENT or AUDIOLOGY seen her in order to rule out a primary ear or inner ear problem?

What do we mean when using the word "DIZZY?" Spinning dizzy many almost queasy feeling the stomach...or do we mean, Lightheaded or detached feeling from the rest of the world?

Let's be careful right now with alternative therapies (including marijuana and things like that) until we at least get a diagnosis. I will stop here with the questions for now because we need a lot more information in order to think about some intelligent diagnoses:

I'd appreciate the favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback assuming you have no further questions or comments to ask...however, I'm hoping you come back with more information but of course, that is entirely up to you.

Also, CLOSING THE QUERY on your end (if there are no further comments) will be most helpful and appreciated so that this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary.

Please keep me informed as to the outcome of your situation by writing me at: bit.ly/drdariushsaghafiAll the best.

The query has required a total of 15 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.

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Brief Answer:
Thanks for the update

Detailed Answer:
Obviously, in order for me to really offer the best advice I would need to examine her records and be able to ask a number of questions (some of which I already asked but were not answered in lieu of the message you passed on from your daughter). This is because she's already seen 2 neurologists and 1 naturopath, all of whom have tried extensive avenues of investigation as well as treatments without success.

Standard approaches and protocols don't seem to be working. This type of forum does not lend itself well to a complex case of this type. Unfortunately, through this network there is no ability to XXXXXXX through her private insurance or any such thing nor is it feasible to upload large charts of information. So we are left with really only being able to give advice to the best of our ability based often on limited knowledge and always without the advantage of a physical examination and interview.

I am the Director of a large Multistate Regional Headache Center through the VA Hospital in XXXXXXX and so difficult headache cases are exactly what we deal with day in and day out. If your daughter would like to consider forwarding her complete set of records then, please have her forward her phone number and best times to call her or she may call my office here in XXXXXXX Just have to keep in mind the time difference of 3 hrs.

The office number is 440.842.3816 and she can call day or night. If we are off service then, she can leave a message with her callback information and I'll be sure to get back in touch with her within 24 hrs.

Another suggestion I have is to seek out a SOLID HEADACHE SPECIALIST either in the San Francisco or LA areas. Perhaps one of the 2 neurologists she's seen is a Headache Specialist?

I await to hear from her to see how she'd like to proceed. At the same time I would appreciate the favor of a HIGH EVALUATION for what has been done so far on this case and CLOSING OF THE QUERY if we will not be furthering any of the questions I previously asked in the first response in lieu of a full records evaluation and review.

Best regards

The query has required a total of 40 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.

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