Vision followed my migrain - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

Rpiche · 12-05-2004, 11:32 PM

I have heard migrains can have all kinds of side effects, which could be my problem, but not sure, and since the headache is the Biggist part of the problem I figured I'd start here....

For about the past 4 years, I have had problems starting with my vision. I will loose all focus and my prefreable(spelling unknown and with a headache I don't want to look) Vision, for about 5-30 minutes, then my vision will clear up and on comes the migrain and everything that comes with it. Have tried taking excedrin migrain at the first sign of vision problems with absolutly no effect on my headache. The first time it happened, I went to my family doctor, who did a few tests starting with blood, suger and other simple lab tests, then went to a catscan with no findings, and ending with an eye doctor. After all the tests, and a bunch of uninsured medical expensis, I am left with the same, undiagnosed problem. It Has at the most happened maybe 3-4 times a year but is a HUGE inconviance to say the least, and wipes out the WHOLE DAY.
almost forgot, at the same time as the vision problems occur, I sometimes loose all feeling in one/both of my hands/arms.

As I said above, I'm not sure the headaches are the root of the problem, but I still figured I'd start here anyway.

So, would that all be caused my a migrain? And what would be the best way to treat it?

Thanks in advance for any/all help.
Roland

chaos250 · 12-08-2004, 08:39 AM

Sounds exactly like a migraine with aura. I have exactly the same thing. You need to find a doctor that is familar with migraines so that you can get the medications that you need. The vision problems are your warning that the migraine is on the way. If you had the proper medication you would take it as soon as you had the problem with your vision. I understand not having med insurance. I suffered for years because of the same reason but I also suffered because some doctors do not fully understand migraines and the associated symptoms.

Hope this is of some help to you.

marcie23 · 12-08-2004, 09:59 PM

Hi,

I have started getting this type of migraine this year. I was told it's called optical migraine or migraine with aura. It's a spasm of the optical nerve in the brain. Mine is followed by numbness in my left arm & face. My headaches are mild but last for hours or days. Tylenol or Advil help with the headaches but nothing helps with the vision or numbness. I was told to relax in a dark room but that's hard to do when I'm panicking! (which I do!). My father has a history of this too and my mom & sister get the severe migraine headaches. I find the computer is a trigger for me and bright lights too, like sun glare. So I limit my pc time and wear sunglasses more than ever.

If anyone has any helpful info or suggestions, please share.

Rpiche · 12-09-2004, 06:28 PM

optical nerve uh? I guess that makes since and marcie, you got it with the sunglasses. I find I wear mine even in the rain sometimes.

ok, so I gotta find a doctor who is familier with: optical migraine or migraine with aura. I was worried the headache was because of the eyes, instead of the other way around.

thanks for the help,

BioAdoptMom3 · 12-09-2004, 08:52 PM

This sounds totally IDENTICAL to what I have right down to the amount per year that you have. I too only get them (Thank God) three or four times a year and I have the same symptoms. I also have vomiting and light and sound sensitivity with mine when the headache sets in. After being on several different types of prescription drugs over the years which did little or nothing I found the following combination to work like a charm!

I take three aleves or advils with a coke (for the caffeine)
a regular dose of dimetapp or benedryl
and lie down for about 30 minutes

Hope this helps you too!

Nancy