I used to get migraines ALOT and of course I would have the symptoms that would come before the migraine...?

Question

but now I am just having the symptoms without migraines following is it possible they are due to something else? Like is it possible they might be telling me something else is wrong? I am experiencing a blinding sensation in one or both eyes, but I can still see...it's almost like my eyes are wrapped in alumnium foil. It's kind of strange so I don't know how to explain it. I've also experienced some some pain in my eyes and slight pain in my head but right along with the symptoms not after them as what used to happen and it's not anything close to a migraine feeling. Can anyone help me out with this I don't want my doc to think I'm crazy when I try to explain this to him.

Answer 1

Sounds about right. Same thing has been happening to me this year. Just be glad it's not a full migrain. Migrains are mental and your brain is finding ways to counteract the migrain before it develops. You may also be finding ways to react to it differently.
Here are some things I do.
1. Take 2 motrin as soon as I see it with my eyes (sometimes I can feel it come on before my eyes go wacky).
2. Relax
3. Walk around to get blood flowing if you've been sitting
4. Use the restroom, eat something soft like a burito, massage sore muscles, or anything else I can tell that may be causing internal stress
5. Rest your eyes
6. Get a damp washcloth put on your eyes / forehead
7. Lay down in bed
8. If migraine still coming on, I take another 2 motrin at about 1/2 hr after step 1. Then I go back to bed and its a waiting game from there.

Answer 2

Migraines can just be ocular. What that means is you can have the flashbulb, blinding shiny light show thing and not get an actual headache. Most people who get migraines and have the eye symptoms have this aura for about 20 minutes and then it goes away and the headache comes. Migraine headaches are typically described as being a pain in the eye. (Sometimes I personally feel as if I could pluck the offending eye out all would be well with my world ; ) The light show is scary and annoying, and most likely it is just because of your migraines. But, since it is concerning you and you do just want to be sure, see an ophthalmologist (not an optometrist, an ophthalmologist which is a "real" eye doc). They will listen to your symptoms (which BTW they have heard about a gizillion times, so you won't sound nuts) and probably dilate your eyes to look inside and make sure all is well. Good luck.

Answer 3

I have these too, the optical migraines. I also understand when you say you don't want the doctor to think you're crazy. I've actually talked to a few doctors about this including a family practitioner and an ophthalmologist. I suggest talking to a neuro-ophthalmologist, as he knew more about the problem than the general practitioner (as one would expect). Interestingly this is a problem in the back of the head in your occipital lobe (not in your eyes as you would think). I am actually now trying out different medications to treat the migraines- a prophylactic approach. In other words, I'm taking meds to prevent the migraines. So there are treatments out there to prevent them, but there is no "cure." Good luck and I hope this information was helpful.

Answer 4

This 'could' be the aura. . . perhaps an ophthalmologist and/or neurologist would be of help to you.

There also are migraines of the eye that have similar symptoms.

check out webmd.com

good luck to you

Answer 5

I too still get what are called "optical" migranes where you loose part of your vision but rarely are they followed by the actual headache. My Dr. had no apparent answer for me. I do know that mine are brought on my stress and certain foods such as sulphites, nitrates, alcohol and yellow cheese.

Answer 6

It sounds like a blood flow thing...if it affects your vision see your Dr. ASAP......

If he thinks you are nutz he is a fricken quack, find another one.

Take care

Mike


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