By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 09:46 am: Edit

My son has been recently diagnosed with BAM. He is suffering and I would appreciate any information you can give. Thank you.

Winoka Plummer <wplummer@bgsm.edu>
Winston-Salem, NC USA - Thursday, December 11, 1997 at 05:13:04 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 09:47 am: Edit

Marion and Others: Marion, please see the email I sent you today. Everyone else who may be experiencing delayed responses--I apologize for the delay. I am currently dealing with some rare and potentially very serious complications related to my pregnancy. I am doing as much as I can, but must cut back on not only work hours, but also hours spent on "volunteer efforts" like this as well. I am prioritizing and cutting
back, doing what I can when I can, so as to emerge from all of this with both myself and my new son intact! Again, I apologize for any delays. I am not ignoring any of you, but simply cannot devote the same number of hours to this effort as I did a few months ago. If you wish to discuss your situation with others, I do encourage you to participate in the Discussion Forum (follow the links from this page). That's what I put it together for, and you may find some good help and support there on an ongoing basis.

I wish every one of you the best of health now and throughout this Holiday Season, and I sincerely thank you all for your patience and understanding during these next several weeks. --Karyn

Karyn S. Huntting <karyn@e-z.net>
Vancouver, WA USA - Thursday, December 11, 1997 at 16:14:07 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 09:49 am: Edit

Can someone please pick my mouth off the floor!? WOW, what a relief... to find out I'm not the only one going through this terrible, debilitating condition. I've been diagnosed with complicated migraines, my neurologist through out the phrase BAM but no explanation was given.

I've suffered 1 major stroke and several TIA's. I'm just now "finding" medications that work for me. I take Verapamil, Aspirin in the a.m. and 50mg of Elavil at night about an hour before I want to crash. Usually by 8pm if I want to be "functional" for work by 8a.m.. This dosage seems to be helping dramatically with my migraines. I was suffering DAILY but now it's been a week with No migraine. ( knock on wood! ) When I do have dipilitating migraine, one where you want to blow your head off, I go to my neurologist and he gives me a shot of DHE 45 and Reglan. Within an hour my migraine is gone WITHOUT making me some sort of zombie where I sleep to the next day. It works SO well that my neurologist has given me a note listing the dosage of these injections and when he is not available ( weekends , holidays,etc.) I can go to the E.R and get the injections that work for ME! Not loading me up on compazine, vicodin or others, where I'm just knocked out and where sometimes I awake and STILL have the migraine!

So to you Karyn and all the others who share in my plight ... I say THANKS ... it's reassuring to know that I can talk to others and that together we can make a difference in each of our lives as we share in this horrible condition. Keep searching and pass the knowledge! Lisa

Lisa Giddens <LGiddens@finishlines.com>
Indianapolis, In USA - Tuesday, December 16, 1997 at 09:56:11 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 09:50 am: Edit

Hello, I am graduate in Biochemistry and I would like to get the Doctoral degree in the migraine field. The resaon of that is that I am a migraine patient and I am very interested in its treatment and all the details about its solutions. Yours sincerely Dario Oscar Marinozzi Entre Rios 195 06 B 2000 Rosario Argentina email: dmarinoz@fbioyf.unr.edu.ar Fax: 54.41.253423 Thank you very much

Mr. Darío Oscar Marinozzi <dmarinoz@fbioyf.unr.edu.ar>
Rosario, Argentina - Tuesday, December 16, 1997 at 13:12:28 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 09:51 am: Edit

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Karyn S. Huntting <karyn@e-z.net>
Vancouver, WA USA - Wednesday, December 24, 1997 at 11:04:11 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 09:52 am: Edit

I am a 38 year old female who was diagnosed with BAMS in 1980. My BAMS seem to be related to my menstrual cycles and lack of sleep, not eating well, etc... Is anyone anywhere if there is a connection between BAMS and allergies?

Also over the past two years I have had a problem with pericarditis. Does anyone know of a connection? I currently take no medication and prefer to deal with the migranines instead of the side effects of the medications. I am currently researching autoimmune disorders and trying to connect them to the BAMS.
Anyone have suggestions?

Leslie Hanson <bhanson@indy.tds.net>
Greencastle, in USA - Thursday, December 25, 1997 at 16:13:44 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 09:53 am: Edit

My 10 yr old was recently diagnosed with bam. What information is available in treating this in
children. Also, he was put on depakote daily and midrin when he gets a headache attack. Where can I go to find out more information on these medications. I know depakote can be toxic to the liver and liver function tests should be done. What else is there to know. I'm glad I found your page!

mary <maed 4>
arlington hts, il USA - Saturday, December 27, 1997 at 22:00:56 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 09:54 am: Edit

My mother 62 years old had an episode on Friday December 19th. The Neurologist checked for signs of an aneurysm, or stroke but concluded it is just a case of TransGlobal Amnesia. It was very frightening for her and the members of her family that witnessed it. It was almost unbelievable. She still caanot remember everything and my Father told me today that if she doesn't remember something she will keep trying until she has a headache. She is supposed to have an ultrasound done on the arteries in her neck this week. Can you shed any light on this perplexing situation. Thanks.

ELLEN <ETLOVESKT@AOL.COM>
THOMASVILLE, NC USA - Thursday, January 01, 1998 at 13:58:26 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 09:54 am: Edit

Very informational, interesting! Can't wait to read more. I often receive Demerol. What are the pros/cons with BAM headaches?

Cindy Stene <johnstene@means.net>
Baudette, MN USA - Saturday, January 03, 1998 at 21:50:46 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 09:55 am: Edit

Very interested in the vast amount of information provided. Have recently suffered unbearable
headaches and was admitted hospital. A CAT scan and lunbar puncture was carried out and both were O.K. so I was discharged and told I did not have a brain haemmorhage. I still do not know what caused the pain which brought me to my knees and am in fear of it returning.

The pain was to the left side of the back of my head and a pounding headache above my left eye. I also felt extremely hot and was aware of a noise in my left ear. I do suffer from tinnitus but it was particularly noticable.

The internet is still new to me but perhaps someone out there will read this, any advice would be appreciated.

Mary Quigley <'106424.2072@Compuserve.com'>
Derry, Ireland - Wednesday, January 07, 1998 at 06:02:01 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 09:58 am: Edit

Hemiplegic migraines: Sister in law suffers from this, I am looking for info, or others who have the same problem. Please e-mail what you can at nivrud3@aol.com Thank you

BD <nivrud3@aol.com>
USA - Wednesday, January 07, 1998 at 06:07:39 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 10:01 am: Edit

I'm not sure I'm doing this right. Found the Bam page and said Bingo that"s me. So, I want to discribe my symptoms and see what you think. I hope I am submitting properly.

About six months ago I awoke to a horrible headachee in the back of my head. Got up and took 2 tylenol and the pain seemed to abate, it did really but was feeling woozy. Within 5 mins. I had an attack that has changed my life. Started with a severe burning sensation around my left eye, cheek and ear, neck felt full and then an attack of dizzyness and weakness that was incapacitating. Legs wouldn't hold me up could barely make it to a sit down spot, heart racing. Spent two days sleeping and barely able to function. No power or steam to navigate.

Daughter took me to the Dr. he said sounds like TIA. Follow up exams, ultra sound of caratids, MRI, CAT., all negative. No evidence of stroke. Sent to a neur. he basically said he found nothing wrong but suggested
labrynthitis because I was still imbalanced, vertigo with head positioning, and he thought it would eventually go away. No follow up of the stroke like episode from him, seemed not to be concerned. Have a problem, they found thyroid nodules while scanning will have to surgery in a few days, is it safe with BAM? Am very nervous,, what if I have an attack in hospital.
Sorry this is so long, hope you have some suggestions. Still imbalanced after 6 months use a cane. My Dr.
put me on xanax to relieve anxiety, and am off hormones now. No other medication at this time...Help!

Roberta <iking@syix.com>
USA - Sunday, January 11, 1998 at 14:22:04 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 10:02 am: Edit

I've had migraines since the late 60's. Been on Cafergot and a million other things since the early 80s. I'm 46 and an RN. I have red hair.

When I went to the Michigan Headache Institute (early 80's) I saw an awful lot of red-haired people in their waiting room. Any data on the connection between hair color and migraine? Also, I had about 25 fillings put in my teeth the summer I turned 16...seems the headaches started after that. Is there any info supporting a connection between mercury amalgam fillings and vascular headache/arteritis?

Thanks and I'll tune in often.

Kerry L. Biery <foobah@ntdata.com>
Las Cruces, NM USA - Sunday, January 11, 1998 at 15:23:43 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 10:02 am: Edit

educational

brandie
indpls, in USA - Wednesday, January 14, 1998 at 08:58:51 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 10:03 am: Edit

I am on the birth control pill and have been for 7 years. For the last three years I have been getting severe headaches (no light, sound, movement permitted) during the week that I am off my pill. My doctor first told me that I was experiencing "withdrawl from the pill" and prescribed estrogen on my days off the pill. I still got headaches.

I moved and found a new doctor who has only given me Tylenol 3s. I experience those ziz-zag lines once in a while, if fact I did right before my last migraine. I just thought I had tired eyes. The pain is always behind my eyes and is often associated with a stiff neck. I treat the neck with mucle relaxants to ease some of the tension.

If anyone has any similar stories or advice I would really appreciate it. Thanks
Melissa.

Melissa <burke12@mnsi.net>
windsor, ont canada - Saturday, January 17, 1998 at 03:42:45 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 10:04 am: Edit

Found this site through ASK JEEVES.

After reading some of the peoples symptoms and some of your remarks, I knew I had hit on a winner for information-maybe have some to offer, also. At the Thomas Jefferson Hospital, In Philadelphia, pa, I was examined and treated for severe headaches. This was in 1944, when I was 6. Treatment involved Sinus draining and injections of ?? in the arms. Subsequent trial of glasses yielded no relief of the terrible headaches. I could come out of a Sat. matinee, into the bright sunlight and get a migrane immedately.

Many instances of head injury and severe whiplash have occured, starting when I was three, five, six, sixteen, twenty-two, and forty-nine. Most recently,at 58, a Grand Mal Seizure (so says the Doctors!!!) All the tests that were performed supposedly show no reason for the Seizure. The Angio-graph) showed approx 40-50 percent blockage.

Blockage could be either hereditary or from physical damage. I think it's a combination of both. Incidentally, my Mother had migranes.

I will definately keep checking your site. Hoping I don't have to educate someone with an MD behind his/her name, but will definately ask questions!

Patrick J. Imhof <DADPADDY@VOICENET.COM>
CLEONA, PA USA - Sunday, January 18, 1998 at 07:49:11 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 10:05 am: Edit

I am glad to know that I am not alone in this struggle. I was beginning to feel like I was the only one who has had no success in diagnosis and treatment of my pain.

Laura Guthrie <GUTH@HHS.net>
Uniontown, PA USA - Wednesday, January 21, 1998 at 19:02:49 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 10:05 am: Edit

I've been dealing with this condition for over 12 years, and have only recently been properly diagnosed and treated by a very broad-minded neurologist here in Boston.

I've only just started to search the web/internet and am amazed that there is an entire site devoted to the subject.

Andy Compagna <acompagna@sprynet.com>
Brookline, Ma USA - Saturday, January 24, 1998 at 23:16:44 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 10:06 am: Edit

Really glad to find this page. It has great info. Thanx.

Kathy <Lillicat@messenger.revnetx.net>
Belfast , ME USA - Thursday, January 29, 1998 at 11:53:52 (PST)

By Karyn S. Huntting on Saturday, September 19, 1998 - 10:07 am: Edit

My husband, 54, was recently diagnosed as having had a Basilar Artery Migraine episode. He has had stroke-like symptoms since mid-Setp. including shuffling walk, slurred speech, verbal memory loss, impaired fine motor skills. These have improved considerably but he still has the verbal memory problems. He also suffers from Bipolar (manic-depressive) illness and had a reaction to Wellbutrin the middle of September. He has had EEGs, and MRI, a battery of neurological/psychological tests. My concern is that, along with his bipolar meds, he has been prescribed Arisept (to improve his memory) and Imitrex for the migraines.

From what I have read here, Imitrex is not the recommended treatment. Is he a BAM sufferer who should
question taking Imitrex?

I'm sorry this is so long...I searched for days to find this site and am so grateful there is so much info here. Thank you,
Sharon

Sharon <shafner@midusa.net>
Topeka, KS USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 04:46:11 (PST)