Risk Factors for My Child?

[woodstock]

I'm 49 and was just dx with CIS/RRMS last summer after my first MS event of numbness on the right side of my face, hand and leg/foot. Finally started Copaxone just over a month ago.

I have two kids, a son 28 who as far as I'm aware has no possible MS symptoms. My daughter, 18, is a different story. I'm going with her to a neuro appointment next Wednesday and I'm afraid for her. Her pediatrician referred her before she would prescribe any more medications for her migraines.

My daughter has been getting migraines since 8th grade. They typically come on when she doesn't get enough sleep/isn't eating regularly or is under alot of stress, whether good or bad. We've ended up in the ER with her three times already over the years where she's had to have IV meds for her migraine and was treated and released within a few hours. Just this spring she had a severe bout of Mono from which she is still experiencing fatigue off and on though it's been almost three months since she had the Mono.

She thinks her doctor referred her to the neuro because of her migraines. I'm wondering if these symptoms, combined with the fact of my own diagnosis don't put her at higher risk for MS. Thoughts? What should we ask the neurologist?

[jojo18]

i found this article on MS and migraines in women. it may answer some questions you have or be a starting point in a conversation between your and your daughter's neurologist

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-heada...ave-link-to-ms

I am 49 and have a daughter 27. She has migraines and I have really bad one's too.
She never had any ms symptoms until she complained of her foot feeling funny about a month ago.
It did not last long.
Her migraines have never been bad.. I of course have always been concerned. I can't see any point in racing down to a neuro.. She doesn't have insurance. I would love to see her have an mri. I would also like to not see her have one.
I don't talk to her much about it. I have just mentioned she might have a genetic predispostion to MS since I have it.. and being female.. To not smoke and take D. That she needs to be aware of things that occur. If they don't go away.
She should she a dr and let them know I have MS, that way not a lot of time is wasted in a DX.
I really prefer to keep my blinders on. I also think she does too. But when and if she ever thinks she needs/wants to see a dr she will.
She is single and working/no kids. With that one thing. She was outside no shoes and it was cold. So I really don't know if it means a thing.
Seems I remember things going like that. Then again, I should add I am the only one in my family that has MS. Most of her cousins have migaines.

[struck-a-nerve]

Do also take note of the mono. That is a significant event if someone has MS. I have met two MS specialists who have agreed that mono is a very common occurrence in those who are eventually diagnosed. Be sure to ask the neuro about this. Is this neuro an MS specialist? You may want to seek one out, for both of you if this one is not.

There is a video from NMSS on You Tube about this possible connection and the controversy that surrounds it. Google "mono and MS." While nothing is or can be proven (as is the case with all of the theories on the cause of MS), it is good to be as educated as you can be.

I have my fingers crossed for you both that she has migraines and not something else.

I never had mono, but was exposed and tested.. My daughter had not had a migraine since about 09 now.
By the time I was her age I had many more.
Not that migraines are always a pre curser in themselves.
Migraines are rampant in my family..

[Jules A]

Kudos to her physician for recognizing the familial implications and not wasting time in attempting to rule out other causes of her migraines.

I think it is very important to disclose a family history of MS and hopefully there isn't anything else going on with your child.

Please keep us posted.

[woodstock]

Update...went to the neuro appt with my daughter. Based on the clear MRI she had about 4 years ago (she just turned 18), the neuro didn't think she has sx of MS. She does have at least 8 migraines a month, roughly about two a week.

The neuro has put her on a titrating upward dose of Topamax to help to prevent the migraines. She was also given another medication to take if she still feels one coming on (it's supposed to stop it in its tracks) and another medication to take if the first two don't stop the migraine event.

The neuro doesn't like to keep people on the Topamax for long, so my daughter will be returning to see her in July for a follow up and will probably be titrated off within the next six months. She reports that the medication has been helping with her migraines.

I've tried to get her to start taking Vitamin D3, but she hates taking anything and really isn't taking me very seriously which concerns me. My son, 28, started taking D3 last fall when we discussed the need for him to protect himself as much as possible. My daughter is acting like at 18 she's bullet proof and nothing could possibly happen to her. I know it's normal, but it's just soooo frustrating.

[Tawanda]

Originally Posted by Cindarelly

I never had mono, but was exposed and tested.. My daughter had not had a migraine since about 09 now.
By the time I was her age I had many more.
Not that migraines are always a pre curser in themselves.
Migraines are rampant in my family..

So many people suffer from migraines! M.S.ers are probably not very different from the general population in this respect. I am more curious about the "foot issues" you mentioned. Can you explain what those issue are?

As for my DD, I am always worried about this or that. With me, there was a definate fatigue issue along with general malaise that never left me. M.S. presents in wildly different ways...some so benign that we do not even investigate for years.

I hope all our children will be OK.

[locolar]

Hi,
I am a new member to this forum. I joined because one daughter has been diagnosed with MS and her sister is in the process of being diagnosed.

I am a dentist, and have had migraines most of my adult life. I have always been a "teeth clencher" while I am sleeping. I came across a dental device about 7 years ago that really has helped me and my family. It is called an "NTI". I regularly prescribe it to my patients with headaches. It is something you wear at night over your teeth while sleeping. It keeps you from clenching your teeth as tightly as you might normally clench.

I am not saying that you should not have other necessary testing for migraines. I am just placing before the forum what I consider a greatly unknown cause for headaches, that I think not many MD's might consider.

If anyone is interested take a look at:

headacheprevention
(sorry for the shorthand, this is my first post here and apparently I can't post url's yet.)

This site can answer many questions you might have. I believe they also have a doctor locator, to find a dentist in your area that makes them.

I have no financial interest in this company other than I regularly buy their supplies (at full price).

I hope this helps someone, as it has made a world of difference in my life personally, as it has with my wife and daughters. Before using my NTI I would have a migraine a month, now I may have one a year.