Migraine with out headache - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

Betty325062000 · 07-14-2006, 12:01 PM

I saw my Opthamologist today as follow up from previous surgery. I told him that one morning when I got up all I could see was a bright-white spot with a black center.

He asked if I knew there were migraines that does not include headaches. He thinks I might have had or am fixing to have a TIA and referred me back to my GP for MRI.

Searching the web I have found no reference to migraine that does no include headache. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks for your help.

Max'sMom · 07-14-2006, 12:26 PM

Hi,
My neurologist also gave me a diagnosis of migraine without headache, for episodes in which I experienced a lot of funny symptoms that were not followed by a headache.

In addition, I also have experienced one of those blind spots. It was last summer, but it was accompanied by a full blown migraine headache (a wopper). The blind spot is called a scotoma in medical jargon.

I don't know where to go for more info. I found that the best book on migraine is by Oliver Sacks, I think it is called Migraine, but it is out of print. Maybe you could borrow it from your library.

MM

Prtam · 07-14-2006, 02:06 PM

As a migraine sufferer, I think I may be able to guide you. I grew up with migraines and would get the lights (aura) between a half hour to hour before the headache. As years went by, my migraines ceased and then returned. Well, they didn't return as headaches. I would get the lights (aura) and no headache. I still get it to this day. It is what's called a 'phantom migraine'. You can do a search on that term and you should find a little, but not much, information. It took me a long time to find that term and some information on migraines without the headache.

Good luck to you. I hope you never have to suffer the headache end of it.

Betty325062000 · 07-14-2006, 09:52 PM

Thanks to both of you for the information. So far I haven't found anything. If there are migraines without headache it seems I would find something. He wants me to have the MRI and a doppler scan right away but really wonder if it is worth while.

He sent a report to my GP so I guess I will see what happens there. I am of the opinion that if there is something so rare information cannot be found that there isn't much chance in a GP knowing about it.

I appreciate additional comments.

Prtam · 07-15-2006, 07:06 AM

I did a search for you. I googled 'Migraine without headache' and came up with only a few articles. However, I did come upon the term 'Acephalgic Migraine'. A google search on that brought up a good number of articles. Maybe you can print one for you GP. Good Luck.