Occular Migrane

[Melalvai]

I get an aura where I lose part of my field of vision. Across the blank space is a jagged thing. One time I googled "migraine art" and saw several renditions that were exactly like mine. I told my dad that, because he gets the aura too, and he picked his aura out too-- his is different than mine. Isn't that fascinating!

Usually I also get a splitting headache but not always, and anyway it is the vision loss that is scary.

One time when I had one of these migraines I couldn't remember some of my words. I was trying to say I needed to heat up my lunch and all I could come up with was "feed". It sounds a little like heat and it was to do with food. But the word "heat" just wasn't quite there. I did go to a doctor. They said it was a mild ischemia-- a mini stroke. They didn't seem too worried about it.

My biggest concern was that my grandmother died of a brain aneurysm but it turns out there is no link. In fact it's beneficial to have a history of migraines because if I ever do get an aneurysm I'll know that it's not a migraine, which is what it is commonly mis-diagnosed as.

I don't think you need to feel too worried, but it is important to get it documented in your health history. So I also advise seeing a doctor, for that purpose. Just don't let them bully you into taking medications that you don't need.

[colorisnt]

This sounds like a complex migraine. I get them. I got the first one I ever had 3 years ago. I woke up in a daze with a terrible pain and the inability to move one of my arms and legs (right side of my body). My best friend and sister told me I had to go to the ER. They found me like that. I was terrified. I can understand why you are scared! Definitely see a doc and get checked out. They did a CT and then cleared me. I'm lucky it was just a migraine.

I'm currently sitting here with aura waiting for the worst or the best if my meds kick in, ironically.

I am hoping you see someone that can help. Not much has worked for me, but definitely get it checked!

[sashadieken]

This morning I was trying to make a birthday card and was finding that I couldn't see the paper very well. Then I saw zig zaggy lights around my field of vision, mostly in the left eye, while the center was sort of fluid and watery. First time that had ever happened to me, and it was scary! I'm in the middle of a summer cold so, after I looked it up and decided it was an ocular migraine, I attributed it to sinus pressure.

I lay down to see if that would help and all I could think of was, "I can't go blind now, I'm just learning to ride a bike and kayak!"

I hope you're feeling better!

[tulip]

This morning I was trying to make a birthday card and was finding that I couldn't see the paper very well. Then I saw zig zaggy lights around my field of vision, mostly in the left eye, while the center was sort of fluid and watery. First time that had ever happened to me, and it was scary! I'm in the middle of a summer cold so, after I looked it up and decided it was an ocular migraine, I attributed it to sinus pressure.

I lay down to see if that would help and all I could think of was, "I can't go blind now, I'm just learning to ride a bike and kayak!"

I hope you're feeling better!

Might want to get that checked out. Retina problems (detachments) have bright light flashes.

[chatnoire]

I also get ocular migraines, which don't include head "pain" per se, but leave me feeling pretty wiped out after. They come in times of stress, poor diet, and sometimes just out of the blue. I can best describe them as the light appears to be reflecting off those metallic pinwheel toys, but just outside of my peripheral vision. Then things tunnel through the center of my vision, so that I cannot focus on whatever I am looking at. I lose the ability to concentrate and continue conversation, but maintain enough control to explain what's going on. After ~30 minutes, it goes away, but then I need to sleep.

However, the suddenness of this, plus the numb extremities makes me add to the chorus that you should get it checked at the ER, roadtrip. And then, when you're safe, check in and let us know you're ok.

[colorisnt]

Any update?

I woke up with numbness (typical complex symptoms) early this morning and was thinking about you, OP. I'm hoping you saw someone, got cleared, and are feeling better!

[Roadtrip]

Feeling much better today and even finished (mosly) putting together my new arbor for the garden after work. I plan on calling my primary to talk to him about what I've been experiencing... It's past time for blood work anyhow!

Thanks for the concern!!
Shannon

[skinimini]

When I was younger, I had the full-blown migraines--but no aura. The first "ocular" migraine was about 15 years ago and I thought I was having a stroke. Shimmery, jagged, pulsating lights with the inability to focus for a couple of hours. Called my husband at work (he's an MD) and went immediately to an ophthalmologist. Confirmed the ocular migraine--can't remember what the docs call it.

Now I have them a few times a year, but can't predict and never as severe as that first one. No numbness or tingling anywhere else. Although, I did have a typical migraine with severe headache a few months ago--the first one in years. Got the aura and thought everything would be OK in a few minutes. I felt horrible for two days.

I think if there's numbness or tingling, a trip to a neurologist would definitely be in order.