Migraines caused by small tumor??

[ColaBurns]

Hello everyone. As some of you already know I was diagnosed in June with a 4mm acoustic neuroma. Hearing is pretty much fine (a little diminished on the right side where the tumor is) but other than that the only issue I have had is severe Vertigo. FOr the past few weeks however I've been dealing with headaches and I'm now experiencing full blow migraines a few times a day. I'm popping Percocet like its candy and the amount of drugs my ENT has had me on has been insane (I'm now arguing with him constantly about whether or not I really need to be on Prednisone). The problem is, the migraines are on the left side of my face and my tumor is on the right. Ive had CT scans and blood work done to rule out Meningitis, Sinisitus and Cerebral Palsy. I'm basically an incredibly healthy 28 year old woman who should not be having these headaches. I have been under stress but I"ve been under an insane amount of stress before without these issues. My ENT is now thinking I should go see a Neurologist but taking all this time off of work is stressing me out even more so I dont want to go have to see all these specialists if I dont have to. My question is, does anyone else experience migraines and can they be caused by the tumor? I know I'm stretching but I think I'm just desperate for an answer. Should I go back to my Ear Specialist, stay with the ENT or see someone in a completely different field?

Thanks in advance for your response.

[kareno]

Hello ColaBurns: 

You have been through an awful lot but I really understand your point of view when you explain that you are under stress, but have been through an insane amount of stress with no migraine.  I am not a doctor but I would definitlly seek the opinion of a neurologist. 

My husband was diagnosed with his 3cm AN and it was because of his neurologist that he got his quick diagnosis.  He did not have any hearing loss, vertigo, balance issues just headaches/minimal migraines.  The neurologist is a specialist who treats headache/migraine sufferers.   I understand you do not want to take time off of work as it is a huge pain but seeing a neurologist may give you some answers you are looking for and ease your pain and stress.

My thoughts are with you and I am on the WTT list if you would like to chat!

Karen

[ColaBurns]

HI Karen, thank you so much for your response. I actually have a call into the Mayo Clinic for a follow up. I dont know any neurologists in the Phoenix area so we are still doing some research but I did just recently find out that Migraines do run in my family so its hard to tell what it is. My concern is that the migraines are caused by the tumor and the only way to fix it is to have the thing taken out...but then again one of the side effects from surgery (from what I've been reading) is migraines so its almost like a Catch 22. But thank you very much for your response and I think I will try and find a neurologist to talk to instead of an ENT or Ear Specialist.

[kareno]

Hi ColaBurns: 

I am glad you are going to see a neurologist through the Mayo Clinic.  This will help you figure out if it is hereditary migraines you are experiencing or if it is from the AN.  I just wanted to take a minute and let you know that my husband is post-op surgery 6-months and he has minimal headaches which can be treated with Advil since the surgery maybe one every three weeks or a month.  So if indeed you do need to have your AN surgery you may not have headaches afterwards.  Each person is different but I did want to clarify that with you. 

Wishing you all the best!!

Karen

[Shan1014]

Hi,
Very sorry you are going through this.  Prior to surgery I was experiencing some major headaches.  Also, now, a few weeks after radiation.  They are always the same and very hard to get rid of.  My headaches are on the opposite side also.  I believe that is because my tumor is pushing against the brain stem.  Just my thoughts.  I can take the "good stuff" medications and basically just find a dark, quiet place with a couple Tylenol. Typically I fall asleep and they are gone when I wake up.  But they sure take alot out of you.

Hope you find some relief soon.
Shannon

[ColaBurns]

Thank you for the post Shannon. I see you went to Phoenix Banner...I'm in Chandler. Who is you Dr?

[jerseyboy]

Hi ColaBurns,
My experience was quite similar to yours.  Last November I went to see Dr. Michael Link at the Mayo Clinic and he and his team told me my migraines were not due to the tumor, but due to my high blood pressure medicine.  I changed it, and the headaches went away!  I do still deal with a wonky (full) head, but at least the headaches are gone.  Best,
Jeff

[james e]

Migraine headaches are a separate medical problem from ANs. A neurologist is the type of doctor you need to see. There are headache clinics that can help you determine if you are actually having migraines. If you are, there are some wonderful drugs and you will get some relief.