still getting the diagnosis right....
 

I have been battling migraines all my life. I don't know if you would call the ones I was having "normal" maybe the typical ones everyone knows about. I was diagnosed with hemiplegic migraines last july. Scared the hay out of me, my whole right side went numb and I thought I was having a stroke. I don't know how relevant my past neurological history is but exactly a year to the date I was diagnosed with optic neuritis and questions of ms. I havnt had enough symptoms to get or not get an ms dx. The migraines are my biggest hurdle right now. Anytime I become over heated I can expect the numbness and pain behind my right eye. I've been on a few rx's. Topamax worked in keeping the migraines away but turned my brain upside down. I've done a few bp meds and a few different antidepressants but nothing seems to truly stop them. I'm 41 and flustered by the fact that I still have no answers to why and for how long these will be a partof my life. I know those are unrealistc expectations. Glad I found this forum, atleast I know I'm not alone in this malfunction!

Diagnosis
 

One aspect that probably won't be looked into by any medicos that you approach is diet, yet without a balanced and nutritious diet you are bound to become ill.
So you must keep diet in mind.
You may have an allergy or bad reactions to certain things.
Not an easy one to sort out, and you really have to go to a very simple diet and gradually add things back in.
You can get allergy and blood tests that may be helpful.
One thing that I now take every day and which is said to be great help for migraines is a magnesium supplement. I'd certainly be trying that.
Get the powder of liquid.
Lots of info on the web. Google magnesium migraines.

Have they tried any other anti-seizure meds other then the topamax?

Agree with a focus on sinmple repventive strategies. There are a lot out there proven effective. In Aprill the AAN updated their prevention guidelines and showed great support for magnesium, riboflavin, feverfew and butterbur. These can be used with the prescription meds and in particular with the lifestyle changes. Find for info on National organization sites like the American Headache Society.

Prevention is way underutilized, Prevention includes sleep, relaxation/biofeedback, reduced caffeine, healthy and regular diet, exercise, hydration and supplements and/or prescriptions.
Best wishes- Migraine-Away