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What Causes Ringing In Ears, Tingling Fingertips And Temporary Blackouts?

Posted on Mon, 30 Mar 2015

Question: hi,,my 17 yr old daughter has been dealing with what we thought were migraines and siezures for the past 2-3 years. other symptoms are ringing in her ears, fingertips tingling , eyes blacking out for seconds at a time, unable to focus on a task, dizziness. She has been seeing a nuerologist and has had several ct scans with XXXXXXX .w/o XXXXXXX ,,,you name it and everything comes back negative.
We were advd about 1 yr ago, that they don't think its migrains or siezures, but they don't know what it is, however the DR has her on Topamax , 2 pills a night.
For a year she has been fine with no issues and then 3 weeks ago all of a sudden she became nauseous, clammy, her hands, tongue and face went numb and she became extremely sleepy. This has occd 3 times in the past 3 weeks. Last night was the most recent. These are also the same episodes and symptoms she went through 2 years ago. Today she says she feels ok, but fingers still a lil bit tingly. HELP!?

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
seems to be adverse effects of Topiramate

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that your daughter is having migraine.

As such, tab. Topiramate (Topamax), works for both migraine and convolutions (seizures). It causes series of side effects depending on the duration and dosage.

In my opinion, these symptoms are the side effects of drug (Topamax). I suggest you to re consult your treating doctor for dose adjustment.

Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (11 hours later)

Thank You and i agree that at this time,, it might be side effects from the meds,,,,, however she was having these issues before she was ever put on topiramate. The severe headaches, ringing in ears, eyes blacking out for a few seconds,,dizziness, hands going numb and then from it seems one minute to the next she is out of it,,,,,extremely drowsy and even very tired into the next day after a full nights sleep. THese episodes take a lot out of her. Then the next day she will be fine,,no problems. So I believe it has to be something else going on that her neurologist is not finding. She has had her eyes and ears checked, on top of all the ct scans. Im at a loss and frustrated!

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
alteration of dosage

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.

As such, there are no organic or vascular defects (series of CT scans with or with out contrast are normal). Migraine can be diagnosed only with clinical symptoms and examination. There is no specific tests for migraine.

Do not worry. It takes time to get relief from the symptoms. Please consult your treating neurologist to alter the dosage of her medication.

Hope, I have answered your query.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (54 minutes later)

thank you, i understand about adjusting the meds,,,,however im looking for another opinion on what might be causing these issues, other than what we have already discussed. Her neurologist doesn't believe she is having migrains,,just bad headaches and doesn't believe she is having siezures either,,but also cant figure out what is causing these issues.!
We have already adjusted the Topamax several times over the past 2 years, it works for a while,,then she will start developing side effects. Is this something that needs to be done frequently ?

I just realized you are an ent specialist, I requested to speak to a neurologist ?

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are always welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

I am sorry, but the indication here says you asked for ENT hence I answered your query. You can contact customer support team to request for Neurologist opinion.

All the best. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad