Paediatric neurologist - teenage son zoning out and visual disturbances

[kikashi]

My on had visual aura and vomiting about 9 months ago - diagnosed as a migraine (without headache). The next week hos ears started to ring which was put down to wax and then an ear infection but they still buzz and ring. He saw ENT who said it was common in teens.Last month he had two incidents of visual disturbance in his central field of vision and fatigue - his eyes were tested and he was okay so it was put down to ocular migraine although he still has mild floaters and spots.

This week he has had three bouts of "zoning out" and severe fatigue - he's not sure if he passed out or fell alseep - one happened in his room and he doesn't know how long it lasted but he others were only for a few moments and then he felt super tired and confused. He was seen at A&E - his bloods, ECG, blood pressure etc were all fine. The doctor thought he should see a neurologist but even if the GP agrees to refer him the wait is 30 -50 weeks!

So I'm looking to see someone soon. My son is starting 6th form college (no friends here yet) and is terrified it will happen whilst there or travelling and is very upset. So anxiety could have a part in triggering whatever it is. I think a diagnosis (some kind of migraine variant without head pain) and possibly some meds might help.

Any experiences or recommendations?

Did the GPnhave any suggestions as to what it could be? Did they mention the possibility of visual seizures?

The GP and the A&E doctor both think it's likely to be migrainous (silent type of migraine/a variant) but I'd like him properly checked out (including for seizures).

He had to go to A&E yesterday evening has been asleep or just resting his eyes all of today, lying in a darkened room. He was really tired after talking to his older sisters for a few minutes. He feels a bit dizzy now and unsteady on his feet when he goes to the toilet and has a some mild head pain on and off. I'm encouraging him to drink water if he can. He also has a cold.

Sorry to hear that your son is suffering.
I have this type of migraine. They can be pretty scary, especially when you first start having them. I sometimes lose my speech as well as my vision. I feel very disoriented sometimes after the migraine.
Does there seem to be a trigger? Mine tend to be if I've had too much sleep bizarrely, and happen usually within 30 minutes of waking up. They are also hormonal so I know to expect them just before my period.
I was prescribed beta blockers but to be honest they made no difference. I think they are more effective in treating 'traditional' migraine. After 6 months of have no them almost daily, I now have about 2 per year so they may settle down on their own.
I would keep pushing for the neurology appointment they may be able to offer a cancellation or something.
I hope they settle down soon.

Thanks Willow It's reassuring to know other people have these symptoms but I'm sad you have to put up with them. I have had Migraine associated dizziness for decades and a bout of chronic "classic" migraine a couple of years ago so I know the condition can wax and wane and morph. So, my first instinct was that my son had migraines but the "zoning out" is pretty scary.

I think that too much and too little sleep are the triggers. He had the visual disturbances/ocular migraines after waking and he had stayed up late and had poor sleep the night before Friday's latest manifestation with the periods of "zoning out". Another time I think it was stress - it was enrollment for college and then the dentist that day and he is anxious about coping with 6th form feeling how he does and that it takes him a few days to recover (he sleeps a lot after them for a day or so) and then he feels vunerable and delicate. He's just in a bit of state - not the best start on his new college journey in a new place (so no crowd of mates)