Migraine with aura - anyone else?

[lecach]

I've experienced these over the years but they seem to have increased a bit.

For me, the actual headache part isnt usually too bad.

With the aura, I first notice my vision being blurry. Then a zig zag ring of lights. This all usually preceeds a headache although rarely a full on migraine.

Some of the triggers can be exercise, sneezing, artificial sweeteners, wine, chocolate.

I've had these auras in the day (the last one) and at night (just now). Tonight I was using the blower to clean out the garage and I was sneezing a lot too.

Anyone else have these? They are a bit disconcerting and I have never really talked to the doctor other than my optometrist about them. Just wondering if I should see a doctor and if so, what kind? A neurologist maybe?

From Webmd:

A migraine with aura comes with additional symptoms, which often begin about 30 minutes or less before the headache. These early symptoms are called a prodrome.The prodrome or aura may last for 5 to 20 minutes, or it may continue even after the headache subsides. Symptoms of aura include:

blind spots or scotomas
blindness in half of your visual field in one or both eyes (hemianopsia)
seeing zigzag patterns (fortification)
seeing flashing lights (scintilla)
feeling prickling skin (paresthesia)
weakness
seeing things that aren’t really there (hallucinations)

 

[1stluvispooh]

Well I got aura's with my migraines when I was in college. Let's just say several years ago. I went to a neurologist. If you get migraines quite frequently I would definitely go to a numerologist. Just so they can rule out other things. I get migraines still definitely with red wine, and yogurt so I don't have those.

 

[MickeyMouth]

i get these too. stress is a big trigger for me. sometimes i get a headache afterwards and sometimes i dont. I have also gotten the aura while i am sleeping. it's always in one eye (usually the left) and i describe it as zig zag lines of flashing light. the aura usually lasts around 10 minutes. i am a migraine sufferer, so i always take medication when i get the aura to prevent a possible migraine.

 

[turkeymama]

I've been getting migraines since I was in 7th grade, and my nephew started getting them in 1st or 2nd grade. Both of us get the aura in the beginning, then the pain comes. Sometimes the pain is worse than others, depending on how fast we take something. And they are worse during this time of year for both of us. I think it is due to the pollen and change of seasons. The worst of our pollen season is almost over until August, so we're hoping it will get better soon.

If you have never had them before and this has started suddenly, I would go see a doctor. Otherwise, if you can control the pain with otc stuff, I would stick with that. The prescription stuff for migraines is serious stuff. I don't mess with it unless I absolutely have to.

 

[hjd0411]

I used to get these frequently as well - haven't had one for a long while though (touch wood). I also took medication when I had these to avoid a headache afterwards, which didn't always happen.
I never went to see anyone about it - the auras went but the headaches didn't! So there went my warning system! I get a migraine now without apparent warning - one minute no headache, next minute headache! But at least they aren't as frequent.
Good luck with it - no one knows what a migraine is like except other sufferers.

 

[dislal]

I get these, the first few time I got them I thought I was dying. They are very scary, I didn't know what was going on I thought I was having a stroke. I have been to the emergency room with them and I went to a regular Dr., but they never really seemed concerned.

I just want to give you because I know how you feel.

I have been getting them since my DD 11 was born, and I kind of think mine are hormonal, I have had so many problems with my "time of the month." I just had to have a hysterectomy last month and so far I haven't had any yet.

 

[diz_kid 777]

I've had these kind of headaches for 20 years. The women on my mom's side of the family have a history of migraines, but I'm the only one that gets the aura before. The doctors that I've talked to didn't seem too worried about it. But if it's really bothering you, I'd say talk to your own doctor about your options.

 

[minniebeth]

I've had the auras for about 14 years now and they started when I was first pregnant. I definately think it is hormonal related for me and with dehydration as well. I'm just now starting to get the actual migraine headache and nausea with it. I get nauseous just reading the symptoms! I will be talking with my doctor about it.
I hate the auras..., to anyone who deals with it....

 

[antmaril]

I've been having these for almost 30 years. The first time this happened, I went to an ophthalmologist that same day. He told me that I might never have another one or I could have them for the rest of my life. He called it an "Ophthalmic Migraine".

I do get them every now and then. I don't always get a headache after the aura (zig zag lines) and when I do, it usually isn't too bad. The aura lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.

My sister has them, as well.

 

[maelstrom]

I have migraines with aura and usually the aura is worse than the headache. My most common symptoms are: dizziness, nausea, twinkling spots in my field of vision, fading vision, snowy vision (like on a tv), weakness, & numbness. The first time that I recall having a migraine with aura was in fourth grade, so around nine years old. Migraines with aura are very common in my family.