Hi
Just thought I would give you my experience of migraine aura.
I was adamant that I have never suffered migraine in my whole life but
last year in the spring I experienced what I now know to be migraine aura.
It started with a small blind spot in one eye and then I saw zig zags in my vision, then that led onto a scotoma which is the aura like experience and can only liken it to looking through the bottom of a crystal vase and with all the various colours whirling around.
eventually it all stopped and my vision returned to normal but it left me feeling stressed out and very anxious.
Feeling nausea, rushing to the toilet and feeling anything but me.
The episodes quickly became daily and sometimes 2 or 3 times a day.
In a panic, I made an appointment with my optometrist, who banded words on the phone like detached retina.
Thankfully my eye test was fine and I didn't even need new glasses.
My next call was to my GP who I hadn't seen for a few months since my breast cancer the year before.
I thought she was going to say it was stress because of the BC but I felt that for me (normally a very anxious person) had dealt with it really well and was trying to get on with my life.
She said she thought I was having mini strokes or some kind of seizure, as also, but not on every attack, I lost the ability to speak and my brain went on vacation for a few minutes.
I was now getting into a state again as until the BC and the menopause hit, I was quite healthy and full of life.
Eventually as things takes months here in the UK, I had to go and see a nuerologist, who said no to stroke etc and it was probably migraine but I had to have a MRI and an EEG just to make sure.
Pleased to say, after a very long wait, the results came back normal and I have to take beta blockers to prevent the attacks.
In fact all my test blood work included have come out fine.........my vision is still not right as I suffer from light flashes and funny vision most of the time now, but have so far gone about 5 weeks without an actual migraine.
My GP is anxious to get me off the beta blockers..no idea why?? they are doing the job.
I now know most of the problems are the menopause or peri but my GP doesn't seem to want to reconise that. I have had no info about migraines and what they can cause..so thank goodness I can get on line and do my homework although having the tests done too were a must.
I am now feeling more positive, trying to get on with my life, even though its January and raining all the time.
I suffer hot flushes all the time and now sleepless nights, aching joints and anger but somewhere in there is the old me,who is determined to get through all this.
I had a hysterectomy 10 years ago now but kept my overies.
I would also add, not once through my many episodes of migraine with aura have I had a headache.
Hope my bit of experience helps anyone else with vision problems but its always best to get it checked.
Carolineuk
Full Version: Migraine aura
QUOTE (Carolineuk @ Jan 21 2008, 04:49 PM) 
Hi
Just thought I would give you my experience of migraine aura.
I was adamant that I have never suffered migraine in my whole life but
last year in the spring I experienced what I now know to be migraine aura.
It started with a small blind spot in one eye and then I saw zig zags in my vision, then that led onto a scotoma which is the aura like experience and can only liken it to looking through the bottom of a crystal vase and with all the various colours whirling around.
eventually it all stopped and my vision returned to normal but it left me feeling stressed out and very anxious.
Feeling nausea, rushing to the toilet and feeling anything but me.
The episodes quickly became daily and sometimes 2 or 3 times a day.
In a panic, I made an appointment with my optometrist, who banded words on the phone like detached retina.
Thankfully my eye test was fine and I didn't even need new glasses.
My next call was to my GP who I hadn't seen for a few months since my breast cancer the year before.
I thought she was going to say it was stress because of the BC but I felt that for me (normally a very anxious person) had dealt with it really well and was trying to get on with my life.
She said she thought I was having mini strokes or some kind of seizure, as also, but not on every attack, I lost the ability to speak and my brain went on vacation for a few minutes.
I was now getting into a state again as until the BC and the menopause hit, I was quite healthy and full of life.
Eventually as things takes months here in the UK, I had to go and see a nuerologist, who said no to stroke etc and it was probably migraine but I had to have a MRI and an EEG just to make sure.
Pleased to say, after a very long wait, the results came back normal and I have to take beta blockers to prevent the attacks.
In fact all my test blood work included have come out fine.........my vision is still not right as I suffer from light flashes and funny vision most of the time now, but have so far gone about 5 weeks without an actual migraine.
My GP is anxious to get me off the beta blockers..no idea why?? they are doing the job.
I now know most of the problems are the menopause or peri but my GP doesn't seem to want to reconise that. I have had no info about migraines and what they can cause..so thank goodness I can get on line and do my homework although having the tests done too were a must.
I am now feeling more positive, trying to get on with my life, even though its January and raining all the time.
I suffer hot flushes all the time and now sleepless nights, aching joints and anger but somewhere in there is the old me,who is determined to get through all this.
I had a hysterectomy 10 years ago now but kept my overies.
I would also add, not once through my many episodes of migraine with aura have I had a headache.
Hope my bit of experience helps anyone else with vision problems but its always best to get it checked.
Carolineuk
Just thought I would give you my experience of migraine aura.
I was adamant that I have never suffered migraine in my whole life but
last year in the spring I experienced what I now know to be migraine aura.
It started with a small blind spot in one eye and then I saw zig zags in my vision, then that led onto a scotoma which is the aura like experience and can only liken it to looking through the bottom of a crystal vase and with all the various colours whirling around.
eventually it all stopped and my vision returned to normal but it left me feeling stressed out and very anxious.
Feeling nausea, rushing to the toilet and feeling anything but me.
The episodes quickly became daily and sometimes 2 or 3 times a day.
In a panic, I made an appointment with my optometrist, who banded words on the phone like detached retina.
Thankfully my eye test was fine and I didn't even need new glasses.
My next call was to my GP who I hadn't seen for a few months since my breast cancer the year before.
I thought she was going to say it was stress because of the BC but I felt that for me (normally a very anxious person) had dealt with it really well and was trying to get on with my life.
She said she thought I was having mini strokes or some kind of seizure, as also, but not on every attack, I lost the ability to speak and my brain went on vacation for a few minutes.
I was now getting into a state again as until the BC and the menopause hit, I was quite healthy and full of life.
Eventually as things takes months here in the UK, I had to go and see a nuerologist, who said no to stroke etc and it was probably migraine but I had to have a MRI and an EEG just to make sure.
Pleased to say, after a very long wait, the results came back normal and I have to take beta blockers to prevent the attacks.
In fact all my test blood work included have come out fine.........my vision is still not right as I suffer from light flashes and funny vision most of the time now, but have so far gone about 5 weeks without an actual migraine.
My GP is anxious to get me off the beta blockers..no idea why?? they are doing the job.
I now know most of the problems are the menopause or peri but my GP doesn't seem to want to reconise that. I have had no info about migraines and what they can cause..so thank goodness I can get on line and do my homework although having the tests done too were a must.
I am now feeling more positive, trying to get on with my life, even though its January and raining all the time.
I suffer hot flushes all the time and now sleepless nights, aching joints and anger but somewhere in there is the old me,who is determined to get through all this.
I had a hysterectomy 10 years ago now but kept my overies.
I would also add, not once through my many episodes of migraine with aura have I had a headache.
Hope my bit of experience helps anyone else with vision problems but its always best to get it checked.
Carolineuk
Hi Caroline,
I have the same exact aura you talk about. The first time I had it I thought I was going blind because I could look in the mirror and only see one half of my face! I tried discribing the aura as floating glass with all the colors. I have had migraines since I was 15 with the 3 day pain and sick to the stomach dizzy and light sensitive, the auras never once cause A head ache to come on, I guess you exchange one monster for the other in the auras are scary but with no pain!! I really can't say which one I would rather have if I have to!!LOL
QUOTE (Susans shadow @ Jan 21 2008, 05:46 PM)
Hi Caroline,
I have the same exact aura you talk about. The first time I had it I thought I was going blind because I could look in the mirror and only see one half of my face! I tried discribing the aura as floating glass with all the colors. I have had migraines since I was 15 with the 3 day pain and sick to the stomach dizzy and light sensitive, the auras never once cause A head ache to come on, I guess you exchange one monster for the other in the auras are scary but with no pain!! I really can't say which one I would rather have if I have to!!LOL
I have the same exact aura you talk about. The first time I had it I thought I was going blind because I could look in the mirror and only see one half of my face! I tried discribing the aura as floating glass with all the colors. I have had migraines since I was 15 with the 3 day pain and sick to the stomach dizzy and light sensitive, the auras never once cause A head ache to come on, I guess you exchange one monster for the other in the auras are scary but with no pain!! I really can't say which one I would rather have if I have to!!LOL
Hi Susan's Shadow.
Horrible isn't it ! and poor you having migraines over 3 days too.
Have you tried looking for a cause for the auras,despite the obvious menopause?
I have had to settle for that, but have looked into diet, stress, weather changes etc but nothing seems to fit every time.
I have just gone 5 weeks without one, which is somewhat of a record for me these days, but today, near the end of a long walk with the dogs, it happened again.................I just got very mad about it as I want them gone and I don't want to think they come on just by having a good walk Grrrrrrrr.
Caroline
QUOTE (Carolineuk @ Jan 22 2008, 11:26 AM)
Hi Susan's Shadow.
Horrible isn't it ! and poor you having migraines over 3 days too.
Have you tried looking for a cause for the auras,despite the obvious menopause?
I have had to settle for that, but have looked into diet, stress, weather changes etc but nothing seems to fit every time.
I have just gone 5 weeks without one, which is somewhat of a record for me these days, but today, near the end of a long walk with the dogs, it happened again.................I just got very mad about it as I want them gone and I don't want to think they come on just by having a good walk Grrrrrrrr.
Caroline
Horrible isn't it ! and poor you having migraines over 3 days too.
Have you tried looking for a cause for the auras,despite the obvious menopause?
I have had to settle for that, but have looked into diet, stress, weather changes etc but nothing seems to fit every time.
I have just gone 5 weeks without one, which is somewhat of a record for me these days, but today, near the end of a long walk with the dogs, it happened again.................I just got very mad about it as I want them gone and I don't want to think they come on just by having a good walk Grrrrrrrr.
Caroline
I have never had migraines all my life (my brother has had them ALL of his life) until a year ago (I am 40 now). Now they come weekly it seems and can last for days. It is so debilitating. My DO cause severe head pain and dizziness. I am contemplating going on birth control to help level my hormones, but I really don't want to put that synthetic stuff into my body. I am using estradiol gel now and it does seem to help, but not completely. I just got a doozy of a migraine yesterday, probably from a busy weekend. I'm so tired of head pain all the time - I hope this doesn't last for years!!
QUOTE (Carolineuk @ Jan 22 2008, 10:26 AM)
Hi Susan's Shadow.
Horrible isn't it ! and poor you having migraines over 3 days too.
Have you tried looking for a cause for the auras,despite the obvious menopause?
I have had to settle for that, but have looked into diet, stress, weather changes etc but nothing seems to fit every time.
I have just gone 5 weeks without one, which is somewhat of a record for me these days, but today, near the end of a long walk with the dogs, it happened again.................I just got very mad about it as I want them gone and I don't want to think they come on just by having a good walk Grrrrrrrr.
Caroline
Horrible isn't it ! and poor you having migraines over 3 days too.
Have you tried looking for a cause for the auras,despite the obvious menopause?
I have had to settle for that, but have looked into diet, stress, weather changes etc but nothing seems to fit every time.
I have just gone 5 weeks without one, which is somewhat of a record for me these days, but today, near the end of a long walk with the dogs, it happened again.................I just got very mad about it as I want them gone and I don't want to think they come on just by having a good walk Grrrrrrrr.
Caroline
Hi Caroline,
I have found that if i don't wear sunglasses when I am out on a sunny day
and am looking at either a white background or something that reflects the light I will always get a aura migraine. I have a very light eye and even have to wear shades on cloudy days. I have had them also waking up from sleeping but I get the auras most from light! the regular migraines are triggered for me is first estrogen levels, if I miss changing my patch. then food triggers like if I eat too much estrogen blocking food like peas, rice, but for me the estrogen is my monster. Do you have a light eye? maybe keep a record if you get a light sensitive aura you will know to wear darker glasses outside, I have got an aura before from painting a white wall inside when the sun was coming thru the windows!!
i too started having migraines when i was about 17. mine definately have triggers though. certain foods, scents, and hormonal imbalances. i figured it out the hard way after many years. i have exactly 30 minutes of the aura before the headache sets in, and the headaches are beyond description. they last far too long. but when i got to a certain age i began getting the aura only without the headache, or just a slight headache. i also have a habit of running for the motrin as soon as i see the flicker of light in my vision to try to pre-medicate so that may help a bit but usually nothing helps the pain of a full blown migraine.
this is an interesting thread. I have heard of auras without migraine pain. My doctor told me about that and I have since researched it. Sometimes my left or right eye lid will twitch and then I will get a migraine that evening or next day. I never had migraines before until I started peri and that was my first symtpom. Mine are caused from my progesterone dropping. I now take a progest cream and that helps most of the time but it isn't 100% effective. I really hope that these stop when I am done as they can just wipe you out for days. I know mine can last for 3 days too.
Mopsy
Mopsy
QUOTE (Susans shadow @ Jan 22 2008, 03:23 PM)
Hi Caroline,
I have found that if i don't wear sunglasses when I am out on a sunny day and am looking at either a white background or something that reflects the light I will always get a aura migraine. I have a very light eye and even have to wear shades on cloudy days. I have had them also waking up from sleeping but I get the auras most from light! the regular migraines are triggered for me is first estrogen levels, if I miss changing my patch. then food triggers like if I eat too much estrogen blocking food like peas, rice, but for me the estrogen is my monster. Do you have a light eye? maybe keep a record if you get a light sensitive aura you will know to wear darker glasses outside, I have got an aura before from painting a white wall inside when the sun was coming thru the windows!!
I have found that if i don't wear sunglasses when I am out on a sunny day
and am looking at either a white background or something that reflects the light I will always get a aura migraine. I have a very light eye and even have to wear shades on cloudy days. I have had them also waking up from sleeping but I get the auras most from light! the regular migraines are triggered for me is first estrogen levels, if I miss changing my patch. then food triggers like if I eat too much estrogen blocking food like peas, rice, but for me the estrogen is my monster. Do you have a light eye? maybe keep a record if you get a light sensitive aura you will know to wear darker glasses outside, I have got an aura before from painting a white wall inside when the sun was coming thru the windows!!Yes, I do think that light and sunlight has triggered some of mine and have difficulty going from dark to light, but I had an EEG where they attach electrodes to your head (painless) and monitor your brains electrical responses while you have a series of tests done.
One was various flashing of very bright lights and not a thing happened. So I think there is something underlying either because of hormones or even sinus pressure and on such days the light will trigger an aura, whereas light on its own, when everything else is balanced (Ha those days don't happen very often) doesn't have an affect on me anyway.
I am due for another eye test and this time might try the glasses which alter with the light and not have to have these clip on sun shades.
I was doing well ! but yesterday after a long walk, towards the end of it, another aura, no idea why this one, except I was tired and again, I got another in the evening....so annoying!!!
QUOTE (Carolineuk @ Jan 23 2008, 09:07 AM)
Yes, I do think that light and sunlight has triggered some of mine and have difficulty going from dark to light, but I had an EEG where they attach electrodes to your head (painless) and monitor your brains electrical responses while you have a series of tests done.
One was various flashing of very bright lights and not a thing happened. So I think there is something underlying either because of hormones or even sinus pressure and on such days the light will trigger an aura, whereas light on its own, when everything else is balanced (Ha those days don't happen very often) doesn't have an affect on me anyway.
I am due for another eye test and this time might try the glasses which alter with the light and not have to have these clip on sun shades.
I was doing well ! but yesterday after a long walk, towards the end of it, another aura, no idea why this one, except I was tired and again, I got another in the evening....so annoying!!!
One was various flashing of very bright lights and not a thing happened. So I think there is something underlying either because of hormones or even sinus pressure and on such days the light will trigger an aura, whereas light on its own, when everything else is balanced (Ha those days don't happen very often) doesn't have an affect on me anyway.
I am due for another eye test and this time might try the glasses which alter with the light and not have to have these clip on sun shades.
I was doing well ! but yesterday after a long walk, towards the end of it, another aura, no idea why this one, except I was tired and again, I got another in the evening....so annoying!!!
The RX Glasses that change with light help me a lot. I never leave home without my Shades either. I hear you about the balanced days few and far between, when I do feel half balanced I am alwways on the edge waiting to be knocked over! Do you find that any type of exercise stes them off or just walking? if I sweat heavy from either the heat outside or doing too much I wil get a migraine, not the aura but the 3 day from hell pain! you know maybe it is your sinus, I can see that also from the pressure. one other thing, have you tried head on? ikt is a roll on stuff you put on your head if you think your about to get a migraine, It helps me some what with my eyes? maybe cause it feels cool.
QUOTE (Susans shadow @ Jan 23 2008, 11:51 AM)
The RX Glasses that change with light help me a lot. I never leave home without my Shades either. I hear you about the balanced days few and far between, when I do feel half balanced I am alwways on the edge waiting to be knocked over! Do you find that any type of exercise stes them off or just walking? if I sweat heavy from either the heat outside or doing too much I wil get a migraine, not the aura but the 3 day from hell pain! you know maybe it is your sinus, I can see that also from the pressure. one other thing, have you tried head on? ikt is a roll on stuff you put on your head if you think your about to get a migraine, It helps me some what with my eyes? maybe cause it feels cool.
Last time I enquired about those RX glasses the optician put me off them saying, that they had a lot of complaints about them, as people came indoors they weren't clearing enough or quickly enough but maybe in my case that wouldn't be such a bad thing. My house is very sunny (well on a nice day) and that has triggered me before. I will opt for them this time though.
Well I have had two attacks on one day this week and have felt fine since, no hint of anything so hopefully thats it for awhile.......................I really wish I could fathom it
Yes I have heard of head on. I might give it a try too thanks.
wishing you all a migraine free time
hi----I have been reading the last few posts about menopause and migraine.I have had them off and on during the past year.But this week was different.I had.or rather have, a miserable migraine,this entire week.When I had them off and on,I was told to take Excedrin Migaine,Feeling the same way this week.I took it everyday-------Ladies,I have put myself into a caffeine overdose---NO Joke.The doctor told me to go off it slowly and to take Motrin or something else.You might tink I am crazy,but my auras were beautiful.Does anyone have any good ideas about what I can do to help myself?Thanks.
Hi Ladies, caroline especially.
I in my teens was a regular Migraine sufferer, with seagulls in lights in my right eye, I grew out of them and just get the odd debilitating head ache now and then but last night I had my first Aura.
I was driving home at about 7.00pm and thought hell I cannot see prperly, realised it was just one eye and then the light show came on, a complete circle around my left eye of zig zagging bright green and blue shimmery colour. I got home okay and called my friend who said it was Aura so I may get a headache but no, none came and I felt fine afterwards.
I was scared at first but then it passed as once the lights came on my vision in the middle was clear.
I am seeing my GP anyway next week so will mention this to her. I am reassured I am not alone here and that it has come on for others during peri etc........I have my period at the moment so imagine it is hormone related, or rather am hoping so.
Amanda Mx
I in my teens was a regular Migraine sufferer, with seagulls in lights in my right eye, I grew out of them and just get the odd debilitating head ache now and then but last night I had my first Aura.
I was driving home at about 7.00pm and thought hell I cannot see prperly, realised it was just one eye and then the light show came on, a complete circle around my left eye of zig zagging bright green and blue shimmery colour. I got home okay and called my friend who said it was Aura so I may get a headache but no, none came and I felt fine afterwards.
I was scared at first but then it passed as once the lights came on my vision in the middle was clear.
I am seeing my GP anyway next week so will mention this to her. I am reassured I am not alone here and that it has come on for others during peri etc........I have my period at the moment so imagine it is hormone related, or rather am hoping so.
Amanda Mx
Hi all
Amanda
Sorry to hear that you had an aura, yes, the way you have descibed it, it sounds like a typical aura, but take heart as you may never get another.
They are such an odd thing, some people only ever get one or they average one every 20 years (that would suit me)
I agree they are scary, I can't get used to them and they have still got it on for me at the moment but not as frequently.
I just get so mad when I get one now, as I can't go 4 weeks without one.
What are seagulls in lights?
Libby, hope you are feeling better by now.................my auras are beautiful too but they can go and be beautiful somewhere else
Caroline
Amanda
Sorry to hear that you had an aura, yes, the way you have descibed it, it sounds like a typical aura, but take heart as you may never get another.
They are such an odd thing, some people only ever get one or they average one every 20 years (that would suit me)
I agree they are scary, I can't get used to them and they have still got it on for me at the moment but not as frequently.
I just get so mad when I get one now, as I can't go 4 weeks without one.
What are seagulls in lights?
Libby, hope you are feeling better by now.................my auras are beautiful too but they can go and be beautiful somewhere else
Caroline
It's odd that since I found out a few years ago that my 'visual defects' (as I think of them) that I've had since I was 19 were actually a form of migraine, I have met more people who get them than the headaches that I would normally associate with the word.
I also have never had a headache associated with the aura - unless I tried to carry on working (usually at the computer or reading).
In the last year the auras have become quite spectacular - they used to be just a single 'sparkling line' across my vision where things were out of focus, but now it's like stained glass windows. I wish I was an artist as I'd love to by able to paint what I 'see'.
The other thing that I've noticed is that the strange 'spaced out' sensation that I experienced immediately before my first aura has come back now 30 years on. I suspect if this got worse it could become nausea but so far it's only a mildly odd sensation.
I feel very lucky really to have so far escaped the downside of migraines as they're only inconvenient from time to time (can't use the computer etc. or drive or ride my bike, which means I occasionally get stranded). Luckily also, nothing but stress triggers them - thank goodness red wine and chocolate aren't a problem (not with respect to migraines anyway - my waist line might see things otherwise).
I also have never had a headache associated with the aura - unless I tried to carry on working (usually at the computer or reading).
In the last year the auras have become quite spectacular - they used to be just a single 'sparkling line' across my vision where things were out of focus, but now it's like stained glass windows. I wish I was an artist as I'd love to by able to paint what I 'see'.
The other thing that I've noticed is that the strange 'spaced out' sensation that I experienced immediately before my first aura has come back now 30 years on. I suspect if this got worse it could become nausea but so far it's only a mildly odd sensation.
I feel very lucky really to have so far escaped the downside of migraines as they're only inconvenient from time to time (can't use the computer etc. or drive or ride my bike, which means I occasionally get stranded). Luckily also, nothing but stress triggers them - thank goodness red wine and chocolate aren't a problem (not with respect to migraines anyway - my waist line might see things otherwise).
About four years ago, I had some flashing lights in my peripheral vision with a blind spot. I had no headache with it, and it gradually went away over about half an hour and I never thought anything more about it. Then, when I discovered I was in peri, and also discovered PS, I read a post about these strange migraines and remembered this incident with my vision. I thought that this was just another peri symptom, but one that I would probably not have again. WRONG!!
Yesterday morning, I was reading a book in bed when I noticed that the words I'd just read (and therefore in my left peripheral vision) were becoming invisible! I looked up and saw some flickering shapes in that area and anything that fell into that area was in a blind spot. Again, I did not have any headache with this, but did feel a bit dizzy. I had a bad headache with nausea a few days before and had to have a day off work, but thought I may have eaten something that upset me. And again I had a headache on Saturday morning, but not as bad as the previous one.
This visual problem on Sunday morning lasted about 15 minutes, but then came back about half an hour later, again lasting about 15 minutes. Following this I just felt a bit 'vague' but we went out for a walk and I felt much better after a while. I was due to have an eye test, so I rang the optician and they had a spare slot this afternoon so I went for that appointment and mentioned it to him. He said there was no problem with my eyes, and my prescription had only changed a small amount, but he suggested seeing my doctor if I was worried.
I used to get a lot of headaches, some I thought were due to food sensitivities, but I never had any aura and never assumed they were migraines, but my doctor at that time said that they were classic migraines. Avoiding certain foods did help and I didn't have nearly as many headaches for some years. However, I have started getting more headaches again over these past couple of years, so that is probably down to the hormones. I certainly hope I don't get too many more of these flashing, blind spot episodes.
Yesterday morning, I was reading a book in bed when I noticed that the words I'd just read (and therefore in my left peripheral vision) were becoming invisible! I looked up and saw some flickering shapes in that area and anything that fell into that area was in a blind spot. Again, I did not have any headache with this, but did feel a bit dizzy. I had a bad headache with nausea a few days before and had to have a day off work, but thought I may have eaten something that upset me. And again I had a headache on Saturday morning, but not as bad as the previous one.
This visual problem on Sunday morning lasted about 15 minutes, but then came back about half an hour later, again lasting about 15 minutes. Following this I just felt a bit 'vague' but we went out for a walk and I felt much better after a while. I was due to have an eye test, so I rang the optician and they had a spare slot this afternoon so I went for that appointment and mentioned it to him. He said there was no problem with my eyes, and my prescription had only changed a small amount, but he suggested seeing my doctor if I was worried.
I used to get a lot of headaches, some I thought were due to food sensitivities, but I never had any aura and never assumed they were migraines, but my doctor at that time said that they were classic migraines. Avoiding certain foods did help and I didn't have nearly as many headaches for some years. However, I have started getting more headaches again over these past couple of years, so that is probably down to the hormones. I certainly hope I don't get too many more of these flashing, blind spot episodes.
Hi my pals,
This thread is really interesting. I've been getting migraines without aura for about 12 months now. I used to get migraines with headaches but I haven't had one of those in ages. The visual disturbances are really scary and I've had episodes where only my left eye blacks out almost completely for a few minutes. I've been on BCP for just over a month and the eye flashes I've been getting have decreased in intensity quite a bit. I had one this morning but it lasted less than a minute and was very weak in intensity. Not so flashy! Gee they worry me. I find that they happen more frequently when my stress levels are higher or perhaps my anxiety increases because of them? I'm otherwise healthy. I hope you all find long term relief from this strange happening!
Gabby
This thread is really interesting. I've been getting migraines without aura for about 12 months now. I used to get migraines with headaches but I haven't had one of those in ages. The visual disturbances are really scary and I've had episodes where only my left eye blacks out almost completely for a few minutes. I've been on BCP for just over a month and the eye flashes I've been getting have decreased in intensity quite a bit. I had one this morning but it lasted less than a minute and was very weak in intensity. Not so flashy! Gee they worry me. I find that they happen more frequently when my stress levels are higher or perhaps my anxiety increases because of them? I'm otherwise healthy. I hope you all find long term relief from this strange happening!
Gabby
over the last few years, i have had a couple of brief auras. but last month on day 1 of my cycle i had what i take to be an ocular migraine - the visual disturbances were much like described here - electrified foaters, wavy, looking through glass out of both eyes. after 45 minutes or so, i went to a dark room & laid down & slept for 3 hours. thankfully no headache. i have talked to my pcp about it & she thought as well that it was an ocular migraine triggered by the hormonal drop.
my question is - what do you do when you are hit by something like this while not a home? i don't have drugs or anything since this has so far been an isolated thing. i wouldn't have been able to drive too well like that, but do you just pull over & wait & hope it doesn't turn into something worse?
that seems like kind of a dense question, & admittedly, i am feeling dense today. but i do need a strategy for the possible next time.
thanks for bearing with me,
ellen
my question is - what do you do when you are hit by something like this while not a home? i don't have drugs or anything since this has so far been an isolated thing. i wouldn't have been able to drive too well like that, but do you just pull over & wait & hope it doesn't turn into something worse?
that seems like kind of a dense question, & admittedly, i am feeling dense today. but i do need a strategy for the possible next time.
thanks for bearing with me,
ellen
QUOTE (epdp2 @ Apr 3 2008, 04:02 PM)
over the last few years, i have had a couple of brief auras. but last month on day 1 of my cycle i had what i take to be an ocular migraine - the visual disturbances were much like described here - electrified foaters, wavy, looking through glass out of both eyes. after 45 minutes or so, i went to a dark room & laid down & slept for 3 hours. thankfully no headache. i have talked to my pcp about it & she thought as well that it was an ocular migraine triggered by the hormonal drop.
my question is - what do you do when you are hit by something like this while not a home? i don't have drugs or anything since this has so far been an isolated thing. i wouldn't have been able to drive too well like that, but do you just pull over & wait & hope it doesn't turn into something worse?
that seems like kind of a dense question, & admittedly, i am feeling dense today. but i do need a strategy for the possible next time.
thanks for bearing with me,
ellen
my question is - what do you do when you are hit by something like this while not a home? i don't have drugs or anything since this has so far been an isolated thing. i wouldn't have been able to drive too well like that, but do you just pull over & wait & hope it doesn't turn into something worse?
that seems like kind of a dense question, & admittedly, i am feeling dense today. but i do need a strategy for the possible next time.
thanks for bearing with me,
ellen
Hi Ellen,
The only thing which I find that helps is to stop everything and sit it out. The trouble is with auras that no medication can really work once an aura has started, because nothing can work quickly enough, although people who say they get the headache afterwards, use the auras as their early warning and take their pain medication.
I have sat under trees in a park, kept walking along a beach, panicked, LOL
Sometimes, I just get the auras, other times I get speech loss, upset stomach and lose memory.
All of which seem to right themselves within an hour.
Sorry I am not going to be much help because I don't drive, but I certainly would pull over and wait for things to improve if I were you.
I won't look after my 2 grandchildren without my husband there now, in case I have one.
I am feeling very frustrated with mine this week, as I had a bad one.
I still can't believe what awful things they are and the awful affects they can have.................and nothing, it seems can be done about them.
I really hope that you had isolated ones, as I know these can happen too and you may never get another.
I find I don't worry about them so much now, just deal with them when they happen and I try to live life inbetween.
I am on prevention but it doesn't always work.
I have sat in the neuroligists, screaming to myself, What if I had to work? (am lucky as am early retired) but what if I had to drive to work? etc etc, and all he said was its migraine, and left me to it.
all best wishes
Caroline
QUOTE (epdp2 @ Apr 3 2008, 04:02 PM)
my question is - what do you do when you are hit by something like this while not a home? i don't have drugs or anything since this has so far been an isolated thing. i wouldn't have been able to drive too well like that, but do you just pull over & wait & hope it doesn't turn into something worse?
that seems like kind of a dense question, & admittedly, i am feeling dense today. but i do need a strategy for the possible next time.
thanks for bearing with me,
ellen
that seems like kind of a dense question, & admittedly, i am feeling dense today. but i do need a strategy for the possible next time.
thanks for bearing with me,
ellen
I had a bunch of these after an appendectomy this winter, thankfully none for the last 2 months. It's pretty alarming when it first happens and you don't know what it is!
I went to the ophthalmologist and he confirmed that it was ocular migraine (just aura, no pain). I asked him that question, what if I'm driving and get one? He said you simply pull over until it goes away. Mine always lasted 20 minutes, which I gather is pretty typical. The aura starts very small so I would have a few minutes before it enlarged enough to became a hazard while driving - as long as I don't panic, anyway!
Hi Ladies,
As an infrequent sufferer of these migraines which usually happen when at the peak of peri symptoms and last about 20 minutes, I have found that sipping something sweet like cola, ginger ale or just eating a mouthful of icecream and sitting quitely with eyes closed seems to ease these auras for me down to about 10 minutes duration. It also seems to take off the severity of the electric light show.
As for driving the best advice is to pull over and wait it out.
Hope this helps some of you ladies.
Freuda
As an infrequent sufferer of these migraines which usually happen when at the peak of peri symptoms and last about 20 minutes, I have found that sipping something sweet like cola, ginger ale or just eating a mouthful of icecream and sitting quitely with eyes closed seems to ease these auras for me down to about 10 minutes duration. It also seems to take off the severity of the electric light show.
As for driving the best advice is to pull over and wait it out.
Hope this helps some of you ladies.
Freuda
QUOTE (Carolineuk @ Apr 3 2008, 04:38 PM)
Hi Ellen,
The only thing which I find that helps is to stop everything and sit it out. The trouble is with auras that no medication can really work once an aura has started, because nothing can work quickly enough, although people who say they get the headache afterwards, use the auras as their early warning and take their pain medication.
I have sat under trees in a park, kept walking along a beach, panicked, LOL
Sometimes, I just get the auras, other times I get speech loss, upset stomach and lose memory.
All of which seem to right themselves within an hour.
Sorry I am not going to be much help because I don't drive, but I certainly would pull over and wait for things to improve if I were you.
I won't look after my 2 grandchildren without my husband there now, in case I have one.
I am feeling very frustrated with mine this week, as I had a bad one.
I still can't believe what awful things they are and the awful affects they can have.................and nothing, it seems can be done about them.
I really hope that you had isolated ones, as I know these can happen too and you may never get another.
I find I don't worry about them so much now, just deal with them when they happen and I try to live life inbetween.
I am on prevention but it doesn't always work.
I have sat in the neuroligists, screaming to myself, What if I had to work? (am lucky as am early retired) but what if I had to drive to work? etc etc, and all he said was its migraine, and left me to it.
all best wishes
Caroline
The only thing which I find that helps is to stop everything and sit it out. The trouble is with auras that no medication can really work once an aura has started, because nothing can work quickly enough, although people who say they get the headache afterwards, use the auras as their early warning and take their pain medication.
I have sat under trees in a park, kept walking along a beach, panicked, LOL
Sometimes, I just get the auras, other times I get speech loss, upset stomach and lose memory.
All of which seem to right themselves within an hour.
Sorry I am not going to be much help because I don't drive, but I certainly would pull over and wait for things to improve if I were you.
I won't look after my 2 grandchildren without my husband there now, in case I have one.
I am feeling very frustrated with mine this week, as I had a bad one.
I still can't believe what awful things they are and the awful affects they can have.................and nothing, it seems can be done about them.
I really hope that you had isolated ones, as I know these can happen too and you may never get another.
I find I don't worry about them so much now, just deal with them when they happen and I try to live life inbetween.
I am on prevention but it doesn't always work.
I have sat in the neuroligists, screaming to myself, What if I had to work? (am lucky as am early retired) but what if I had to drive to work? etc etc, and all he said was its migraine, and left me to it.
all best wishes
Caroline
caroline,
thank you so much for your helpful & supportive response. it seems like such a difficult & debilitating symptom/disorder. i really hope that you are feeling better & that these calm down for you. i just so appreciate you sharing your experience & your coping strategies.
best wishes,
ellen
QUOTE (jasminetea @ Apr 3 2008, 05:39 PM)
I had a bunch of these after an appendectomy this winter, thankfully none for the last 2 months. It's pretty alarming when it first happens and you don't know what it is!
I went to the ophthalmologist and he confirmed that it was ocular migraine (just aura, no pain). I asked him that question, what if I'm driving and get one? He said you simply pull over until it goes away. Mine always lasted 20 minutes, which I gather is pretty typical. The aura starts very small so I would have a few minutes before it enlarged enough to became a hazard while driving - as long as I don't panic, anyway!
I went to the ophthalmologist and he confirmed that it was ocular migraine (just aura, no pain). I asked him that question, what if I'm driving and get one? He said you simply pull over until it goes away. Mine always lasted 20 minutes, which I gather is pretty typical. The aura starts very small so I would have a few minutes before it enlarged enough to became a hazard while driving - as long as I don't panic, anyway!
hi jasmine,
i would have been really freaked out if i if i hadn't have found power surge & my friends here. i had some brief auras over the past few years, but so many other wiggy symptoms coming & going that i just didn't pay attention to it. this was one i couldn't ignore in any way.
hope all goes well for you & i'll keep my fingers crossed here, as well. thanks for the reply.
best,
ellen
QUOTE (Freuda @ Apr 4 2008, 03:51 AM)
Hi Ladies,
As an infrequent sufferer of these migraines which usually happen when at the peak of peri symptoms and last about 20 minutes, I have found that sipping something sweet like cola, ginger ale or just eating a mouthful of icecream and sitting quitely with eyes closed seems to ease these auras for me down to about 10 minutes duration. It also seems to take off the severity of the electric light show.
As for driving the best advice is to pull over and wait it out.
Hope this helps some of you ladies.
Freuda
As an infrequent sufferer of these migraines which usually happen when at the peak of peri symptoms and last about 20 minutes, I have found that sipping something sweet like cola, ginger ale or just eating a mouthful of icecream and sitting quitely with eyes closed seems to ease these auras for me down to about 10 minutes duration. It also seems to take off the severity of the electric light show.
As for driving the best advice is to pull over and wait it out.
Hope this helps some of you ladies.
Freuda
ah, freuda, thanks. you are always so helpful. thanks for those tips - i did retreat to dark quiet after it became obvious that it wasn't passing through quickly. got lucky this time with no headache, but slept the rest of the afternoon.
hope you are doing well.
xo,
ellen
Hi Caroline, I have been reading many posts on this site and have not really responded to any. This topic is very interesting. I had an eye doctor appointment Monday eve and he asked if I had had any migraines with auras, as I have in the past. I have not had one for a few months, what happened this morning, a migraine with aura. Why do they continue to frighten us still although we may know what they are??
QUOTE (mamac @ Apr 30 2008, 10:54 AM)
Hi Caroline, I have been reading many posts on this site and have not really responded to any. This topic is very interesting. I had an eye doctor appointment Monday eve and he asked if I had had any migraines with auras, as I have in the past. I have not had one for a few months, what happened this morning, a migraine with aura. Why do they continue to frighten us still although we may know what they are??
Aren't these just opthalmic migraines? They really have nothing to do with your eyes, but are the result of the spasm of a blood vessel in the brain? From what I read, they are usually harmless. I've read that visual symptoms related to strok, or TIA's are mostly dark spots, bars, etc., while migraine aura's are bright, like zig zag flashing lights, or heat coming off a car, etc.
QUOTE (retriever2 @ May 16 2008, 02:26 PM)
Aren't these just opthalmic migraines? They really have nothing to do with your eyes, but are the result of the spasm of a blood vessel in the brain? From what I read, they are usually harmless. I've read that visual symptoms related to strok, or TIA's are mostly dark spots, bars, etc., while migraine aura's are bright, like zig zag flashing lights, or heat coming off a car, etc.
Hi retriever2
Yes you are right and they go under many different names, but they are not just anything.
I agree they are harmless and usually fully reversable but the symptoms can be very distressing and debilitating. There is no known cause except they are classed as migraine.
Anyone who suddenly gets a cluster of these should be checked out, but otherwise the way to go, is to take medication as a preventive.
Mamac messaged me, and we had a long conversation about them. I hope she has not had anymore problems.
For myself I am on a 4 week (so far) reprieve and hope and hope that my hormones are settling down, so that I don't get them anymore, as otherwise the amount I was getting was a complete nightmare.
best wishes
Caroline
QUOTE (Carolineuk @ May 16 2008, 04:56 PM)
Hi retriever2
Yes you are right and they go under many different names, but they are not just anything.
I agree they are harmless and usually fully reversable but the symptoms can be very distressing and debilitating. There is no known cause except they are classed as migraine.
Anyone who suddenly gets a cluster of these should be checked out, but otherwise the way to go, is to take medication as a preventive.
Mamac messaged me, and we had a long conversation about them. I hope she has not had anymore problems.
For myself I am on a 4 week (so far) reprieve and hope and hope that my hormones are settling down, so that I don't get them anymore, as otherwise the amount I was getting was a complete nightmare.
best wishes
Caroline
Yes you are right and they go under many different names, but they are not just anything.
I agree they are harmless and usually fully reversable but the symptoms can be very distressing and debilitating. There is no known cause except they are classed as migraine.
Anyone who suddenly gets a cluster of these should be checked out, but otherwise the way to go, is to take medication as a preventive.
Mamac messaged me, and we had a long conversation about them. I hope she has not had anymore problems.
For myself I am on a 4 week (so far) reprieve and hope and hope that my hormones are settling down, so that I don't get them anymore, as otherwise the amount I was getting was a complete nightmare.
best wishes
Caroline
Hi Caroline,
So far so good. Do not want to speak too soon though. It seems as though one always just waits to receive the next one, trying to stay on guard, but nothing you do can really prevent them.
Thanks for the past communications too.
Susan
So far so good. Do not want to speak too soon though. It seems as though one always just waits to receive the next one, trying to stay on guard, but nothing you do can really prevent them.
Thanks for the past communications too.
Susan
I agree that this is an interesting topic. I have had migraines since elementary school. I started with the black spots in my vision as a young adult. But over the past few years (since starting perimenopause) I now have the auras with pain. UGH! It seems here recently that they have become more frequent and just as scary as the first one.
I am very grateful for this site and all on it as you have given me more information and insight to what is happening to me than I have gotten from the doctors.
THANK YOU.
I am very grateful for this site and all on it as you have given me more information and insight to what is happening to me than I have gotten from the doctors.
THANK YOU.
i too have developed migraine headaches during the past two years.Some last up to 48 hours.I have had some seizures due to a car accident ,when I was ten-----they too are like auras.For me ,the "aura" just stays& stays.It does come up in a flash--no pun intended-----.They hit you very fast.There can be reasons for migraines.They are also very scary at times,making you feel something is happening,the world is falling apart.I do have a blind spot also,or zig-zag.My opthomologist told me to take 2 x-tera strength tylenol,as soon as I feel one coming---don't wait.I also read in this cute pamplet that putting your head over a pot of warm vinegar and sniffing it with a towel over your head helps---did not try it myself.You must have heard that Joan of Arc suffered severe migraines,and that why she was so la-tea-da.In fact many pictures depict her as going thru a cloud.
I had something weird happen to me day before yesterday. I had two occular migraines four hours apart and both with the headache afterward. I could not believe it. In addition to the the pain being so horrible (double the the normal) I was scared half out of my wits. Having one of these in a day or week or month is enough but two in one day, OMG, I was so scared.
Has anyone else had more than one aura with headache in one day? Thanks in advance for answering.
Jeaninne
Has anyone else had more than one aura with headache in one day? Thanks in advance for answering.
Jeaninne
Yes, they are scary! I've had 2 in one day, but not with headache. Getting 2 of them in a day does kind of freak you out!
But - knock wood - after the initial month or so that I was having them, I haven't had one for several months - so they CAN go away, at least for periods of time.
(((Jeaninne)))
But - knock wood - after the initial month or so that I was having them, I haven't had one for several months - so they CAN go away, at least for periods of time.
(((Jeaninne)))
Thanks so much jasmintea. That little ordeal scared me silly. It is good to learn that someone else has experienced this too.
Yep, at my worst, I could have 2 a day and only a few hours apart. Sorry to hear that you get the dreaded headache afterwards too though.
Well, fingers crossed mine seem to be on the way out and hardly daring to speak to soon, have just gone 7 weeks without any aura, The first time, this long, since April 2007, when they started with vengence, nearly every day, then weekly etc etc and for a long time, one or two every 4 or 5 weeks.
Just had a few days walking holiday too and not a sign, last year had them all the time while trying to have a holiday. Have reduced my beta blockers for prevention too.
Hormone related?? I am convinced, as nothing else in my life is changing except the change of life.
best wishes
Caroline
Well, fingers crossed mine seem to be on the way out and hardly daring to speak to soon, have just gone 7 weeks without any aura, The first time, this long, since April 2007, when they started with vengence, nearly every day, then weekly etc etc and for a long time, one or two every 4 or 5 weeks.
Just had a few days walking holiday too and not a sign, last year had them all the time while trying to have a holiday. Have reduced my beta blockers for prevention too.
Hormone related?? I am convinced, as nothing else in my life is changing except the change of life.
best wishes
Caroline
I've had just the one about 2 months ago...VERY scary!.....I thought it was down to something I ate, as I didn't do anything different that day (had canned salmon/salad at a friend's house - it happened 20 minutes after I ate).....do we know why they happen? bizarre experience!
caz
caz
I think this happened to me today--but I'm not sure. Is this an aura?
I was in my classroom this afternoon, getting ready to take my kiddos to lunch. I had a meeting during my lunch, so I was going to eat in my room. My ceiling fans were on, the room was really bright, and just out of nowhere both eyes kind of "closed off" around the edges and all I could really focus on was whatever was in the middle of where I was looking. The outer "circles" began to move in a wavy pattern and followed the shape of the ceiling fans. My eyes got really tired--almost sore. There seemed to be some lines in the waves--I really can't remember. Anything I looked at -book cases, bulletin boards--turned into wavy circles of motion. It freaked me out! This lasted for about 15-20 minutes, then I started to get a slight headache towards the back of my head. I took a tylenol somewhere in all of this, hoping that might make it subside. Of course the anxiety meter went through the roof. Now the bottom of my left eye is really sore--and except for some anxiety hanging on, I'm pretty much back to normal.
Help.
Is this an ocular migraine? I'm only a few days from my period starting--and while I've been feeling pretty good lately, something usually happens within the week before my period.
So . . . ????
Thanks--
BJ
I was in my classroom this afternoon, getting ready to take my kiddos to lunch. I had a meeting during my lunch, so I was going to eat in my room. My ceiling fans were on, the room was really bright, and just out of nowhere both eyes kind of "closed off" around the edges and all I could really focus on was whatever was in the middle of where I was looking. The outer "circles" began to move in a wavy pattern and followed the shape of the ceiling fans. My eyes got really tired--almost sore. There seemed to be some lines in the waves--I really can't remember. Anything I looked at -book cases, bulletin boards--turned into wavy circles of motion. It freaked me out! This lasted for about 15-20 minutes, then I started to get a slight headache towards the back of my head. I took a tylenol somewhere in all of this, hoping that might make it subside. Of course the anxiety meter went through the roof. Now the bottom of my left eye is really sore--and except for some anxiety hanging on, I'm pretty much back to normal.
Help.
Is this an ocular migraine? I'm only a few days from my period starting--and while I've been feeling pretty good lately, something usually happens within the week before my period.
So . . . ????
Thanks--
BJ
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