Migraine

[doublejoy]

Hello, my name is Joy and I am new to the group.

I have had migraines since I was a teen and am now in my early 50's. They can be really bad, like when you wake up in the night and the top of your head is exploding, or they can start in a tiny spot either on one side or the other or the nape of my neck. In these cases I can take my Maxalt and head it off (usually). Maxalt is incredibly expensive but it is like gold to me and almost always works.

About the Aura: I get the aura really bad, it starts as tiny zigzag lines along the outside curve of the brown part of my eyes. Within about 10 minutes the zigzags close in and I am totally blinded. I have to lie down with a pillow over my head, staring at all that crappy sparkling zigzag stuff. Usually it starts to subside after about an hour. The weird thing is, I never get a headache after these episodes. I am not complaining, I am usually exhausted and useless for the rest of the day, they really do me in. But I have never come across anyone who has aura and no headache following. I have not tried taking Maxalt for this, I have to save those for the headaches.

Has anyone else ever had this experience? The first time it happened was at my Bridal shower when I was 26. I was sitting at the head table opening gifts. Somehow, with my sister-in-law's help I was able to sit there and not let on. (Hey I was 26 and my mother-in-law was evil and I was terrified of her - she was giving me the shower and nothing was supposed to go wrong) Anyway, I was terrified, thought I was having a stroke or dying. I went to the doc and he explained what it was, but was extremely suprised that the headache did not follow.

I have had these episoded ever since, maybe about twice a year, much less often than the killer Migraines!

Sorry to be so long-winded, I am just trying to tell a story and see if it sounds familiar to anyone.

Thanks for listening,

Joy

[myodoc]

Hi Joy,

Aura without migraine is actually fairly common especially in those who had or have a history of migraine. This is thought to be a benign occurrence that is best left untreated. As you describe, the symptoms resolve within an hour. I would not recommend Maxalt in these cases; however a baby aspirin once a day is suggested. In women with a history of migraine with aura and later aura only have a slightly higher chance of stroke that can potentially be prevented with Aspirin.

At the very least, you could take an over the counter preparation at the onset like aleve, advil or excedrin migraine to stave of the after effects.

Hope this is helpful. If there is any change, I would recommend neurologic consultation and perhaps an MRI scan.

[mogue]

What works like magic for visual symptoms of aura is the homeopathic Iris Versicolor. Give it a try.


lucy

[matahari]

I have never had pain with my migraines. As I get older the aura-type migraines become more frequent, especially here at the threshold of menopause. My last episode was last week, but it was the second time where I also had aphasia and some slight amnesia so I had my boyfriend take me to the ER as I was sure I must be having a stroke. They did a non-contrast CAT scan (I am allergic to shellfish so that puts me out of the running for any iodine-based dyes) and didn't find evidence of a stroke, nor did I have any one-sided weakness and within an hour the entire episode was over and I felt fine. I am ultra light sensitive all of the time and find bright light or contrast light to be a major trigger.

I am interested in hearing other's stories about non-painful optical migraines...they are scary (when accompanied or followed by aphasia) and I have a lot of anxiety about the next one.