Ocular Migraines & Imitrex - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

ahall · 05-10-2005, 08:13 PM

I hope someone can answer this question, my doctor couldn't!!! After my last Ocular migraine attack about 2 months ago, my doctor perscribed Imitrex for me and told me to take it as soon as I start to see the flashing colors. I lose about 95% of my vision to these zig zag flashing lines and colors for at least 1 hour, and while afterwards I dont get headaches, Im very very sensitive to light and sounds all blend in together and hurt my head, plus it hurts to brush my hair because my heads like a bruise which can last up to 2 days, but my question is....if Imitrex is to stop the migraine in its tracks, and it works (to the best of my knowledge) by relaxing the vessels in the brain which prevents them from expanding, thus eliminating the pain, in my case, because that pain doesn't happen to me, does that mean the vessels in my brain dont expand, and if that is the case, if I were to take the Imitrex, will it reduce the size of my already restricted blood vessels even more making the visual migraine worse and last longer. My doctor told me the visual part is when the vessels constrict, but the headache is where they just expand, causing all that blood flow and pain. Does anyone know? Thank you.

britrose · 05-25-2005, 03:13 PM

Hi there,
I'm not sure i can answer your questions but i wanted to let you know you're not alone. I started having migraines 18 yrs. ago. I have the piercing pain through my left eye and i go blind in my right eye. I have the flashing light/spots, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea. I was 1st told they were caused by stress. Not true. I've had some begin 5 mins. after i get out of bed so it's not stress. I've been on all kinds of meds. but am now on Imitrex 50mg. Was on 25mg. for yrs. but was taking 2 an hour. I pop a pill as soon as i get "the feeling." It could be pressure behind my right eye or nausea. Most of the time it prevents a full blown attack. The pills make me feel a little weird but that's okay as long as the migraine is gone. Usually i only have 4-6 migraines a yr. but this year it's been up to that amount a week. I think sinus infections have been triggering them as i have bad allergies. My Dr. will put me on antibiotics, infection clears up and no migraines. I can feel one of the vessels on the left side of my head all the way around my head. It is very consticted when i have a migraine. My pupils are also VERY dilated. My vision does clear when i take the Imitrex. It's very frustrating i know. The web is the best place for info. I'm forever browsing. Good luck.