BAV, AS and sinus headaches...

[coffeelover]

Hello valvers,
Does anyone with BAV have migraines?

Thanks!

 

[yotphix]

Hey coffeelover,

We're pretty similar in some respects. BAV (mines now a ticking carbon bi-leaflet aortic valve mind you), allergies, sinus headaches, occasional migraines and a love of coffee. I have never considered a possibility of connection between sinus pressure and the BAV or the stenosis or insufficiency, and don't think it's too likely given that it wasn't improved by the replacement of the valve. I know too, that sometime those allergies can be to inside things, like dusts, molds, mildews or pets, perfumes and houseplants. The migraine on the other hand, is likely associated with (not caused by) the valve issue. It's not well researched or documented but there is ample anecdotal evidence that we BAV folk often have other developmental issues with our circulatory system, including a weak aorta, and a susceptibility to migraines, whether the headache type, or the visual, olfactory or sensory type.
That's not really the answer to your question though so: No, I haven't had sinus pressure that worsened as the valve stenosis progressed. At least I don't recall that happening.

Paul

PS I presume you're aware that coffee can stimulate those migraines? Most migraine sufferers know this but I thought I should mention just in case.

 

[coffeelover]

Paul,
Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Ovie]

My sinus headaches have been dreadful lately. I havent had any surgery yet, and am allergic to many things. However they have never been this bad and have progressing just as are many other symptoms due to problems with my heart.

 

[epstns]

I used to have sinus headaches all the time. Self-medicated for decades. Oddly enough, once my high blood pressure was diagnosed and treated, my headaches have simply gone away. Not that my blood pressure was extreme (was around 150/100), but as soon as I started taking meds for the hypertension, the headaches went away.

Also, keep in mind that if we drink a lot of coffee all the time, we will likely have caffeine withdrawal headaches if we miss our normal intake of coffee. I used to drink coffee constantly while at work all week (high-pressure jobs), then I would suffer nasty headaches all weekend. Once I learned that I had to either drink coffee every day or cut back during the week, that problem went away. Now I drink only decaffeinated (even gourmet coffees and espresso), and haven't had a headache of any severity in years.

 

[coffeelover]

Steve,
Thanks for sharing info about caffeine.

 

[drivetopless]

I got diagnosed with BAV/AS because I went to the doctor about terrible sinus headaches that wouldn't go away. They started with the cartoid artery (loud noise, maybe clogged--no) and finally found the bad valve.

Wasn't the cause of my headaches, but how about that coincidence?

 

[coffeelover]

That is interesting that you discovered your BAV/AS with an MD visit for sinus headaches.

 

[epstns]

Initial surprises sort of come with heart valve issues. I learned about mine when an endocrinologist asked me "How long have you had that murmur?"

 

[coffeelover]

My diagnosis was sure was a surprise.

 

[JeffM]

I suspect there may be some association between BAV and migraines and/or sinus headaches rather than Aortic Stenosis and headaches. In my case, I've never had a big problem with sinus headaches but I've suffered from migraines since I was 18. Mosre importantly, I never developed AS or Aortic Stenosis, only AI or Aortic Insufficiency (regurgitation). Since my surgery, the severity of my migraines has gone down; however, my migraine symptoms, such as temorary double vision, dizziness, auras, most of which last a few seconds to a few minutes, often occur several times a day. I don't know if the surgery had anything to do with the increase, or if it's a function of how my body has changed as I've aged. It's unfortunate that more isn't known about migraines in general let alone about a possible relationship between BAV and migraines. But just from these forums one gets the impression there is something to the notion that there is a connection.

 

[yotphix]

Since migraines of all types are caused by vascular changes, most often by a swelling of a vessel (though sometimes a shrinking, apparently) it seems reasonable that investigations into the connection between BAV and migraine would want to look at 'developmental' problems. The BAV is really a valve in which two leaflets never differentiated, and remained as one large one. The often occur in conjunction with a 'weak' aorta, presumably also insufficiently developed. It wouldn't be the least bit surprising if it turned out that there were other concurrent developmental issues within the circulatory system. Mind you, that's mainly my idle speculation.

Since coffeelover sort of hijacked his own thread here, I'll chip in with the fact that my BAV, stenosis and LVH were discovered when I went into a clinic complaining of a numb left hand, dizzy spells and chest pain. As it turned out, my neck injury from a car accident was causing the numbness, my chest pain was from acid reflux, and the dizzy spells were entirely a result of my lifestyle (no sleep, working 80 hours/week, gallons of coffee, closing a bar 5 nights a week and forgetting to eat). Lucky for me though, that I was abusing myself so badly or it might not have been discovered!

 

[coffeelover]

Makes you wonder about a connection