Are confusion, dizziness, strange odour aura of MIGRAINE?

Resolved question:
I'm having symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, deja vu and a strange odor that last about 15 seconds. This seems like an aura for a silent migraine - how can I diagnose if that is accurate?

Are there other things this could be?

Additionally I drink a bottle of red-wine a night and the I get these occurrences once every 3 months or so usually when lying in bed about to go to sleep or morning.

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Neurologist, Medical

Expert:  Dr. Sudhir Kumar replied 4 Days.

Hello, Thank you for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com.
I have noted your symptoms. I agree that it could be migraine, however, absence of headache is little unusual in migraine.

We should also exclude a diagnosis of partial seizure. Detailed evaluation would include doing an MRI of brain and electroencephalography (EEG).

I hope it helps. Would be glad to answer any follow-ups.

Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist

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Patient replied :

Thanks for the response.
I have had an MRI and EEG and both came up with nothing abnormal.
If this is a simple partial seizure which test will provide an accurate diagnosis?
Also can bing alcohol drinking cause simple partial seizures and silent migraines? If I abstain from alcohol is there a good chance these occurences will go away?
Thanks again
Jon


Expert:  Dr. Sudhir Kumar replied 3 Days.

Thank you for getting back and providing more information.
Normal MRI brain and EEG is a good news.
You may go for a prolonged EEG recording (24-48 hours recording) to increase the chances of picking up abnormal epileptiform discharges, if these symptoms are partial seizures. Once you get the reports, you can upload the same and i will assit you further.
Yes, binge drinking of alcohol can exacerbate seizures as well as migraines. So, abstinence from alcohol would help you get better.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist,
Institute of Neurosciences,
Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills,
Hyderabad- 500 033, India

Ask Your Own Medical Question >

Patient replied :

Thank you for getting back and providing more information.
Normal MRI brain and EEG is a good news.
You may go for a prolonged EEG recording (24-48 hours recording) to increase the chances of picking up abnormal epileptiform discharges, if these symptoms are partial seizures. Once you get the reports, you can upload the same and i will assist you further.
Yes, binge drinking of alcohol can exacerbate seizures as well as migraines. So, abstinence from alcohol would help you get better.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist,
Institute of Neurosciences,
Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills,
Hyderabad- 500 033, India



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