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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Headaches, Migraines, Anxiety, Depression And Numb Left Hand?

I had a severe blow to the face, left eye, at work 19 years ago. After that, I have had migraine headaches, about one per year. Sometimes would go eighteen months between. No other problems. Almost two years ago the migraines increased to two per month along with a severe regular headaches almost daily. I have trouble with stumbling and balance. I have trouble with thinking and completing everyday task that I have done for years. I have trouble with concentration and focus. I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and take medications. I have no sense of smell any more. I feel numbness in my left hand. Time to time I have a tremor in my hand.
My regular doctor referred me to a cardiologist and full testing was done. No problems (plumbing or electrical) were found. He then referred me to a neurologist. He heard my symptoms and ordered a MRI, EEG, and a full blood work up. He said everything looked good. He said I was going to have migraines on occasions and we would treat them. I asked what about my other problems, what about the stumbling? He said probably inner ear, see my regular doctor for that. I had fears of Parkinson's because of a family history. He said definitely not Parkinson (my age is 52). I have read about TBI, especially the NFL players having problems many years after concussions. Finally my question, can you confirm or dismiss the possibility of TBI with a MRI or an EEG? What test, if any, will confirm or dismiss the possibility? And the most important questions, what will help me with my symptoms?
Mon, 20 Jul 2015
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. You got trauma 19 years back and have developed episodic headache after that. The frequency of episodes is increasing. First of all considering the history you have provided we can easily rule out serious head trauma because you are getting episodic headache and not continuous. The symptoms like persistent headache in episodes, numbness in hands, difficulty in maintaining balance along with anxiety and depression etc can occur due to migraine. So no need to worry.

Coming to your questions-

- Your MRI came normal and on the basis of MRI we can rule out traumatic brain injury easily. MRI can help to find out any hematoma in brain.

- CT especially contrast enhanced, MRI can help to diagnose the trauma.

- The history suggest that you have migraine. Beta blockers can be used for prophylaxis of headache. For persistent headache symptoms amitriptyline, nortriptyline etc can help. Consult a psychiatrist for help.

Hope this helps you. Thanks. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Psychiatrist.
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What Causes Headaches, Migraines, Anxiety, Depression And Numb Left Hand?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. You got trauma 19 years back and have developed episodic headache after that. The frequency of episodes is increasing. First of all considering the history you have provided we can easily rule out serious head trauma because you are getting episodic headache and not continuous. The symptoms like persistent headache in episodes, numbness in hands, difficulty in maintaining balance along with anxiety and depression etc can occur due to migraine. So no need to worry. Coming to your questions- - Your MRI came normal and on the basis of MRI we can rule out traumatic brain injury easily. MRI can help to find out any hematoma in brain. - CT especially contrast enhanced, MRI can help to diagnose the trauma. - The history suggest that you have migraine. Beta blockers can be used for prophylaxis of headache. For persistent headache symptoms amitriptyline, nortriptyline etc can help. Consult a psychiatrist for help. Hope this helps you. Thanks. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi Psychiatrist.