Migraines/chronic headache, ear pain, neck and back pain...and opthamologist saw pale optic nerve

[Anonymous]

I have been having migraines for about 2 years and they have become more frequent in the past 6 months. I also have daily headaches and ear pain on the left side- both of these are new symptoms. I have always been prone to headaches but not to this degree. My doctor ordered an MRI but our insurance denied coverage until I first saw an opthamologist and Audiologist. I had an eye exam Christmas eve thinking it would be very routine and it was until he dilated my eyes. I could tell something was abnormal because he was taking so much more time with the one eye. He said that I had a pale optic nerve on the left side and he ordered an MRI (brain and orbits). Now it's Christmas and I have way too much time to google possible conditions and I'm getting really nervous. In the time i have had symptoms ive always still tested completely healthy and this is the first time ive ever had a sign of anything else. I've been living with some degree of chronic pain for a while now..lthinking that it was TMJ related or just a symptom of chronic migraine, but now I'm not so sure if I'm dealing with something bigger, or something difficult to diagnose like fibromyalgia or MS. Obviously I'll schedule the MRI and make dr appointments when the holiday is over, but i guess i am just looking for anyone with a similar experience. I don't want to unnecessarily freak out but also don't want to overlook anything important.

[Anonymous]

I don't have a similar experience but I was wondering what he means by a "pale" optic nerve? What's that supposed to indicate?

[Anonymous]

OP,

I am sorry to hear you are getting daily migraines. I suffer from chronic migraines and fibromyalgia. It's not pleasant.
Do you have doctors who help you manage your migraines? I get Botox injections as a preventative and it's kept me out of the ER since August which is huge progress for me.

If you think you have fibro, feel free to ask me any questions. I've had it since 2001.

[Anonymous]

New pp here. Where do they inject the Botox? I have bad migraines too.

[Anonymous]

Botox is injected along hairline, in the forehead, underneath hairline behind your head, in the neck and shoulders. I've had two rounds of Botox so far and will be getting a third in another few weeks. To be done properly, you have it done every 3 months. My insurance covers its 100%. Totally worth trying especially if you are chronic.

[Anonymous]

Do you have a neurologist in the area that you recommend?

[Anonymous]

I'm not from DC area...sorry

[Anonymous]

i would definitely see a neurologist and bring your MRI films.. the neurology center has great doctors.

[Anonymous]

there was a great show on Diane Rehm yesterday on chronic migraine. They discussed the limited value of MRIs (must get a functional MRI, not just a structural), and the use of Botox.