Aura with Migraine (very scary!) - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

Trish1616 · 10-30-2007, 12:53 PM

About a month ago, I experienced an aura (still going through tests, but that is what the Dr.'s seem to think that it is). The first episode happened at work, I started to get double vision/severe blurriness while I was on the computer, after a while the double vision went away and about 20 mins later my left hand and lips went numb. I didn't get a headache and all I could attribute my symptoms to at that time was low blood sugar as I hadn't eaten breakfast that morning. The next episode happened again at work, I was on the computer and I started to get double vision/blurriness, my motor skills were weak and I had difficulty formulating thoughts (confusion). It went away in about a half hour. 24 hours later, I got a migraine headache. My doctor seems to think that the symptoms that I described was an aura, although, I am still going through tests to rule other possibilities as a precaution.

I am 27 years old and I have been on the birth control pill for about 10 years. My doctor just recommended me to go off of it, which I did. I also just quit smoking. I have never suffered from migraines before, I have maybe gotten the odd one here or there, but never with an aura. I am wondering if maybe there is a link between birth control pills and migraines? Has anyone ever heard of this or experienced this? If so, why after 10 years of taking oral contraceptives would I begin to get migraines w/ auras? Some insight would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks,

Trish1616 · 11-13-2007, 06:01 PM

Thanks very much for the insight.

I have gone for a numerous amount of heart and blood tests to rule out stroke and TIAs. All have turned up fine, however, I haven't gone for my MRI as of yet. It is scheduled at the end of the month, so needless to say that I am still a bit worried. I haven't had an 'episode' in over a month so I am feeling a little bit optimistic that it is an aura associated with migraine, but from researching and reading up on my symptoms, I am a little bit concerned about it being a brain tumor (maybe I am being paranoid).

What are the symptoms of a brain tumor? Are they similar to my 'episode'? I would think that if I did have a brain tumor my symptoms would be happening on a regular basis and be more consistent. I have read that the symptoms of a brain tumor are headaches upon waking in the morning, projectile vomiting, etc. none of which I have. Thoughts would be much appreciated.

Thanks very much,
T

Alexandra321 · 11-16-2007, 02:59 PM

Oh, auras are very scary, especially if you don't know you're having one!

I was so scared the first time I had one. I actually had blind spots too. It went away after thirty minutes, then came a pounding migraine. I didn't even put the two episodes togther until my boyfriend told me it could have been an aura.

I doubt you have a brain tumor. Like you said, I think the symptoms would be a lot more severe. Having the MRI will put your mind to rest.

BioAdoptMom3 · 11-21-2007, 09:35 PM

It sounds very similar to the types of migraines I get and yes, going off of the BC pills could be the cause because the levels of hormones in your body have changed. When I get the double vision, then the aura, it takes only 15 minutes after that goes away for the pain in the opposite side of my head to start. I have been on lots of different presciptions but the thing that has helped me the most, and it helps me tremendously, is taking Three Aleve, Motrin or Excedrin along with a Benadryl. I take that with a Coke because I think the caffeine helps as well. I do have to take it though during the aura or its too late. So, you might want to try that combo next time and see if it works for you too.

Nancy

vickie45 · 12-05-2007, 10:09 PM

can you guys tell me what happens during a aura ?? i have wondered about this and i still dont understand what it is or what you do during one cause i may have had one but not sure.
thanks vickie