Migraine and Clear Fluid From Nose?

Hi, I'm M. I'm a 20 year old female university student. I weigh 150 pounds and am around 5'6". I work out regularly and eat very well, but I have some stressors in my college life. I'm no stranger to migraines and headaches, which have recently started localizing around the front left side of my head (left from my perspective) and are accompanied by all migraine symptoms: tenderness to light, aurora, and concentration problems. Excedrin usually does the trick, but has recently stopped working for me. These are becoming debilitating and slowly draining me of my energy and focus. I find myself fatigued, irritable and facing mood swings that are unlike my normal behavior. One second I'm alright, the next I'm crying for no reason and then later I'm annoyed and snap at everyone around me. I'm not depressed, if anything, I'm a "glass half full" optimist. I've had my panic attacks and some bad days, but I usually pull myself together quick and think on the bright side of things. Okay; I'm not sure how relevant this might be, even though most things are in a history, but I'm notoriously clumsy. Last year, my first at uni, I managed to give myself a concussion and believe that I have had two extremely mild ones since then. Usually from accidentally banging my head against a wall when I'm sleeping or crawling under my bed to grab something and coming up like WHACK! I'm very clumsy. Ask anyone.

So, I've also noticed a clear fluid dripping from my nose when I lean over or am climbing the stairs (I'm a huge "always take the stairs", thanks mom). For example, even eating at the dining hall. It feels like I have a nosebleed, but I'll put a napkin up and it'll come back clear. This has been going on for maybe a year. I know it's winter out, but I can tell the difference between the "sniffles" and some dripping that just NEVER ends. As a pre-med, I make it my mission to never turn to internet sources, lest the "medical student syndrome" results, but I'm familiar with some things from health-related classes. One of which is the CSF drip. I'm not a hypochondriac, but I wanted some advice before I go to finally see someone, just to make sure this holds some water. I want to go in and know what needs to be "checked out" via your advice so I can get the best out of my visit and possibly end this nightmare. My general physician doesn't "believe" that I experience these migraines and cracks my back every time, explaining that this is the reason I'm having headaches. She even ripped up an MRI slip referred to me by another physician who was troubled by my history with headaches. So I'd be going to someone else. I just don't feel like myself lately and find my vision lagging and my concentration slipping. It's almost like I never got out of the concussion. These mood swings need to end; the headaches need to disappear so I can clear my thoughts; I wake up without bags under my eyes regardless of sleep time; and I need to figure out why my nose is dripping so often! Maybe I'm allergic to everything?

Thanks for the advice and I hope I can get one step closer to solving the source behind my issues. TGIF I suppose?

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fchacon Guide

Hello and welcome to EmpowHer,
First of all, I want to say that an MRI was a good idea and I'm sorry to hear your doctor ripped up the referral slip. I think you should try again to get an MRI.
Causes of migraines can include but are not limited to:

--eye strain -- sometimes a person can need glass or have a wrong prescription for their eyes causing eye strain. This, coupled with hours of computer work, and/or reading without proper glasses can cause headaches/migraines.

--back problems -- Though it may not be the only cause, it can be a contributing factor

-- allergies -- there is a possibility of having unknown allergies perhaps to food, animals, or plants. Common food culprits include: chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and dairy.

-- hormonal imbalances -- premenstrual migraines usually happen right before your period when the estrogen levels drop. However if you have irregular hormonal imbalances caused by a thyroid problem, IUD etc the migraines could be at any time, not just before your period.

-- concussions -- the head injuries you've received can be contributing greatly to your migraines
-- stress/anxiety -- these are also huge perpetuating causes

I suggest you start exploring the possible causes of your migraines with a doctor you can trust.
Causes of thin, nasal dripping range from seeing a bright light to spinal fluid leak. The cause it difficult to track. However, since yours is coupled with a migraines, and after a head injury (which you have experienced), all these factors may be connected and a good doctor will be able to help you connect the dots.

Faith

January 30, 2016 - 10:37am

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• Migraine